지난 3월 14일 재미동포중남부연합회(임춘성 회장)는 일본에서 벌어지는 <고등학교 무상화교육> 실시를 앞두고 재일조선학교를 제외하려는 일본당국의 처사에 대해 성명서를 발표하였습니다.

< All Children Must Have the Same Rights! >라는 제목으로 발표된 성명서 원문을 소개하고자 합니다.

All Children Must Have the Same Rights! 

We applaud the government of Japan on its decision in January 2010 to provide free education for all high school students, including foreign high school students.   Recently, certain government officials and politicians in Japan expressed interest to exclude the students of the Chosun High Schools from the free education entitlement. This is of grave concern.  We strongly recommend to the government of Japan to include the Chosun High School students on the basis that all children must have the same rights.

We understand that all of the ten Chosun High Schools in Japan are registered at applicable provinces and follow the same rules that Japanese high schools do.  The students who graduate from the Chosun High Schools are admitted to colleges and universities in Japan.  In addition, the parents pay taxes required by Japanese tax law. The Chosun High Schools follow the Japanese schools’ curriculum, as well as teach and practice their own culture and language.  Article 30, the Rights of the Child in UNICEF, states that minority or indigenous children have the right to learn about and practice their own culture, language and religion. The right to learn and practice one’s own culture, language and religion applies to everyone. 

We believe that the people of Japan, as civilized and respected citizens of the world, should share the belief that all children, regardless of their race, religion, language, culture or their parents’ social and economical status, should be treated fairly without any bias.  We also believe that the quality of basic education services should be expanded. At the same time, consistent measures must be taken to reduce disparity.

We urge the government and people of Japan to do the following:

·            Recognize that traditional knowledge and cultural heritage have a value and a valid place within the Japanese school system,

·            Stop discriminating Chosun School students who are minority children,

·            Provide the same rights and entitlements to the students of the Chosun High Schools.

14 Mar 2010

Korean American National Coordinating Committee - Central

5860 N. Pulaski Road (Room 105 Building D)

Chicago, IL 60646 USA