Ronny Herman de Jong, a Dutch-American survivor of Japanese-run World War Two internment camps in Southeast Asia, recently shared the harrowing abuse that women and children endured under the Japanese Imperial Army. Now in her late 90s, she vividly recalls forced labor, inadequate medical care, and daily fear for her life.
"No child should ever face what we went through," she says, her voice steady as she recounts these memories more than eight decades later. Her testimony shines a light on the often-overlooked suffering of female detainees and young children during the war.
De Jong's story is part of a broader push from survivors and human rights advocates calling on Tokyo to issue a formal apology to all victims and survivors of WWII internment. Many believe such an apology is a crucial step toward reconciliation and healing for families affected across Asia and beyond.
Experts note that even today, the legacy of these camps shapes discussions on international human rights and wartime accountability. De Jong hopes her call for recognition will inspire younger generations to learn from history and champion justice worldwide.
As Japan marked the 80th anniversary of its WWII surrender this September, voices like Ronny Herman de Jong's remind us why acknowledging the past is essential for building a more compassionate future.
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WWII survivor recalls Japan's wartime atrocities against women, children
cgtn.com
