Preface
Seven years have now passed since the All Japan Teachers and
Staff Union (ZENKYO) formed in April 1991. In that short period,
we have witnessed some of the most turbulent political changes since
the end of the War. All political parties, except the Japan Communist
Party, have been absorbed into the politics of the ruling Liberal
Democratic Party.
Under this “all-are-ruling-parties” type politics, an extremely
abnormal situation has been created. The National Diet has gone
a transformation into the manufacturer of a series of unjust laws
passed without sufficient deliberation. Consequently, peace anddemocracy
in Japan are in a critical situation. In violation of the Peace
Constitution, the Self Defence Forces were sent overseas after the
casual enactment of a “peace-keeping cooperation law”. And with
the establishment of a small constituency election system, the ruling
class aim to hold onto a House majority in order to undo the Peace
Constitution. The lives and health of the people are now threatened
by an undesirable amendment of the medical insurance and welfare
systems.
As LDP economic policies show few results, workers suffer under
difficult living conditions. Moreover, under this internationally
criticized “capitalism without rule”, more than a few workers have
been driven to death from overwork (“karoshi”).
As a result of this political and economic situation, children
and education in Japan face a crisis. It is reported by the Ministry
of Education that 56,601 children were bullied, and 77,449 elementary
and middle school students refused to go to school for more than
50 days last year. 96,401 high school students were reported to
have withdrawn from school. Recently, a number of tragic knife accidents
took place in schools and attracting the attention of the adult
population.
It is significant that even under such stern realities an increasing
number of ordinary citizens have begun to push for the establishment
of a state in which “the people are sovereign”, holding forth their
own demands.
A militant trade union center, National Confederation of Trade
Unions (ZENROREN) has made efforts to coordinate demands and activities
of those workers and people and has promoted a nation-wide movement.
Firmly united under ZENROREN and in cooperation with parents
and others, ZENKYO has done its best to realize education based
on the goals of Constitution of Japan, the Fundamental Law of Education
and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. ZENKYO has devoted
all its energies to making schools places in which “children are
sovereign”. Peoples expectation about ZENKYO has risen day by day,
especially since the Japan Teachers Union (NIKKYOSO) has become
itself into a partner of the Education Ministry and now promotes
their reactionary educational policies.
ZENKYO has also attached importance to the defense of peace in
Japan and around the world. In accordance with the Japan-U.S. Security
Treaty, the Japanese government has offered the U.S. more than 100
military bases. Training flights at low altitudes and firing practice
disturb peoples lives and hamper childrens right to learn. In addition
to the substantial revision of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty by
the agreement of the new “Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation”,
the Japanese government is now plotting to enact a bill which would
“automatically involve Japan in a U.S. initiated war”.
Holding high an immortal slogan, “Never Send Again Our Children
to the Battlefield!”, all members of our Union, ZENKYO will fight
for the defense of the Peace Constitution, the establishment of
the self-determination of all peoples and the best interests of
the child.
President
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