Statement on Dissolution Order in Japan

Family Federation of Europe and the Middle east issues statement on dissolution that aligns Japan with pariah states that deny their citizens the right to freedom of religion

See also statement by international HQ

See also statement by American movement

by Dr. Michael Balcomb

The March 25 decision by the Tokyo District Court to grant the government’s request for a dissolution order against the Family Federation of Japan (formerly known as the Unification Church) is an embarrassment for Japan and a troubling setback for religious freedom.

By this act, the Japanese government has shamefully abandoned the core principles of human rights and religious liberty enshrined in the United Nations conventions that Japan itself has signed and committed to uphold. It now aligns itself with pariah states that routinely deny their citizens the fundamental right to freedom of belief.

Aware of its own misconduct and vulnerability to international scrutiny, the Ishiba administration took the unprecedented step of rejecting a fact-finding visit by Dr. Nazila Ghanea, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief [See editor’s note below]. This refusal speaks volumes about the lack of transparency and the profound injustice of this ruling.

The Family Federation, founded 70 years ago by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon and now led by his wife, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, is a young yet vibrant global faith community with devoted followers across more than 175 countries. Throughout our history, we have consistently placed our accountability first to God, and no government’s approval or disapproval has ever altered our mission or our deeply held convictions.

Despite this unjust persecution and discriminatory action by the Japanese authorities, we firmly believe our members in Japan will emerge stronger in their faith. Our prayers, solidarity, and unwavering support are with them during this challenging time.

Dr. Michael Balcomb serves as the President of the Family Federation for Europe and the Middle East, and as National Director of the Family Federation in the United Kingdom. His wife, Fumiko Balcomb, was born in Japan.

[Editor’s note: A Special Rapporteur (or Independent Expert) is an independent human rights expert appointed by the United Nations (UN) to provide reports or advice on human rights issues from either a thematic or country-specific perspective. These experts are selected by the UN Human Rights Council and operate independently of any government, playing a crucial role in monitoring the actions of sovereign nations and democratically elected governments.

Special Rapporteurs do not receive financial compensation from the United Nations for their work. However, they receive support from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and are often funded by charities and corporations. Annually, they convene in Geneva to discuss common issues, coordinate their efforts, and engage with various stakeholders, including states and civil society organizations.

These experts frequently conduct fact-finding missions to investigate human rights violation allegations in different countries. In addition to these missions, they regularly review complaints from alleged victims of human rights abuses. If a complaint is verified, they send an urgent letter or appeal to the concerned government. Even without a specific complaint, Special Rapporteurs can intervene on behalf of individuals or groups at their discretion.]

See also statement by international HQ

See also statement by American movement

Featured image above: Japanese judges issuing a verdict. Illustration: Microsoft Designer Image Creator, 6th October 2024.

Related to statement on dissolution case verdict: “Poorly Compiled Evidence Including Falsehoods”

Also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Huge Scandal: “Ministry Is Falsifying Affidavits”

Also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Japan’s New Laws to Curb New Religious Movements

Also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: New Law Designed to Bankrupt Family Federation

Also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Religious Faith Framed as Mental Health Concern

Also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Terms from Consumer Law Used to Rob Faith

Also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Certain Appeal: Unprecedented Dissolution Order

Also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: “Worst Post-War Human Rights Violations in Japan”

Also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Zen Head: “FFWPU Case A Warning to All Religions”

Also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Alleged Forgery: State Faces Criminal Complaint

And also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: New Law Manufacturing “Victims”, Dividing Families

And also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Maverick Minister Lets “3 Foxes in the Henhouse”

More, related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Journalist Reveals Ugly Leftwing Conspiracy

And more, related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Militant Lawyers Dictate Government Policy

And more, related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Courts Using Debunked Concepts Against Minority

Also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Dissolution Case: Wild Claims, Illegal Actions

Also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: 2nd-Generation Members Protesting Persecution

Also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Inhuman Government-Supported Mass Deprogramming

And also related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Bias: No Right to Respond for Religious Minority

More, related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Collusion to Rob Minority of Its Rights

And more, related to statement on dissolution case verdict: State and Media Creating “Today’s Non-Citizens”

Still more, related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Japan Criticized for Glaring Rights Violations

Even more, related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Two European Scholars Warning Japan

And yet more, related to statement on dissolution case verdict: Japan Censured at Religious Freedom Event

And still more, related to statement on verdict in dissolution case: Lawyer Exposes Dirty Leftwing Plot

And even more, related to statement on verdict in dissolution case: Inhuman Government-Supported Mass Deprogramming

And still more, related to statement on verdict in dissolution case: Malicious One-Sided Government Source Selection

More, related to statement on verdict in dissolution case: Government’s Foul Play Pointed Out

More, related to statement on verdict in dissolution case: Kishida Has Opened Can of Worms