As the world marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Spanish journalist Luis del Gozo reminds us that peace is both fragile and priceless.
Del Gozo spent years researching the geopolitical clash that split the globe into rival blocs before World War II. His journey led him to the Eastern Front, where he uncovered little-known stories of courage and suffering—among them the plight of tens of thousands of women forced into sexual slavery by occupying troops, known as “comfort women.”
“These women endured horrors we must never forget,” Del Gozo says. “Understanding their pain is key to cherishing the peace we have today.” His call resonates with a new generation of global citizens: we can honor past sacrifices by fostering empathy, justice, and dialogue across borders.
Data from international archives shows that more than 200,000 individuals were affected by forced labor and sexual exploitation during the war. Del Gozo argues that integrating these narratives into mainstream history lessons strengthens our collective commitment to human rights and prevents the shadow of totalitarianism from rising again.
For young entrepreneurs, activists, and travelers alike, this anniversary is a timely reminder: by learning from dark chapters of our past, we can build a more inclusive, peaceful future. As Del Gozo puts it, “Peace isn’t just the absence of war—it’s the result of remembering every voice that cried out for freedom.”
Reference(s):
We Talk: Spanish journalist calls for cherishing hard-won peace
cgtn.com
