Global Women Leaders Call for Justice for Korean Women Survivors of U.S. Militarized Sex Trade

Posted in: Press Releases

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Women Cross DMZ, info@womencrossdmz.org

On International Women’s Day, over 100 prominent global women leaders and organizations have sent a letter calling on the U.S. Congress to pursue accountability measures and redress for Korean women survivors of the U.S. militarized sex trade. 

The letter, signed by leading directors of women’s rights organizations, peacebuilders, scholars and experts from across the globe, urges the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, to hold the U.S. Forces Korea accountable for their role in gender-based human rights abuses inflicted at U.S. military camptowns and other areas in the Republic of Korea from the 1950s to 2010s – including trafficking, prostitution, forcible detention for purposes of administration of STI treatments.

“History has long shown that war and militarism harm women and girls disproportionately,” stated Cathi Choi, Executive Director of Women Cross DMZ. “Korean women have borne the costs of more than seven decades of the ongoing Korean War. As women in the U.S. and across the globe, we are proud to stand with the courageous survivors and advocates to call on our government to pursue measures for accountability, redress, and justice.”

“War and militarism are bad enough without human rights abuses, gender-based violence, and sex trafficking committed and facilitated by one’s own allies,” stated Ji-Yeon Yuh, Associate Professor, Northwestern University. “As women in the United States, we stand in solidarity with the survivors of these horrors, and we call on our government to be a true ally to South Korea by pursuing redress for any and all harms inflicted by the USFK on women in South Korea.”

“As a retired United States Army colonel and U.S. State Department official, I have seen firsthand the human rights abuses that result from U.S. militarism and military bases abroad,” stated Ann Wright, Veterans for Peace. “We show our solidarity with the Korean women survivors, whose case is not only a fight for them but justice for all victims of U.S. militarism’s effects.”

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The Honorable Roger F. Wicker
Chairman, U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services
425 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Jack Reed
Ranking Member, U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services
728 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Re: Need for Investigation; Records Release; and Public Hearings on U.S. Military Human Rights Abuses in South Korea

March 9, 2026

Dear Chairman Wicker and Ranking Member Reed:

We, the undersigned, are global women leaders united in our solidarity and support of the Korean women survivors of U.S. militarized sex trade. On International Women’s Day, we are writing to you as peace leaders to express our vested personal interest in seeing these women obtain justice.

We urge you as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, to hold the U.S. Forces Korea (U.S.F.K) accountable for their role in gender-based human rights abuses inflicted at U.S. military camptowns and bases in the Republic of Korea (R.O.K.). In a recent lawsuit filed in 2025,¹ the U.S.F.K. are identified as enablers and perpetrators of sexual violence in the R.O.K. during the 1950s–2010s.² The U.S.F.K. is also accused of overseeing detention facilities located at U.S. military base camptowns in which the women were subjected to severely coercive measures related to actual or presumed sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This lawsuit is a follow-on to a 2022 South Korean Supreme Court ruling which found that the R.O.K. government, in the process of operating and managing military camptowns, justified and encouraged prostitution of the plaintiffs who were “comfort women” for the U.S.F.K. and illegally incarcerated them to “help South Korea maintain its military alliance with the United States and earn American dollars.”³

In September 2025, a group of survivors of camptown sexual violence in South Korea filed the first-ever lawsuit targeting the U.S. military,⁴ presenting deeply concerning and grave allegations about the U.S.F.K.’s role in South Korea. It contends that the U.S. military was involved in encouraging, abetting, or at least acquiescing to the visits of U.S. service members to brothels where women and girls were held against their will as “comfort women.” The context of the charges are that: the women were indoctrinated into a system of sexual slavery for U.S. service members,⁵ subjected to weekly STI tests, and incarcerated in STI disease control facilities run by the U.S. and R.O.K. governments⁶ that resembled prisons and forcibly injected with high-doses of penicillin, which was only available in the R.O.K. through U.S. imports. These allegations implicate the U.S. military and government in serious violations of human rights, international law, and enduring moral responsibilities tied to U.S. military presence abroad. 

Studies have long shown that in war and militarism, women are disproportionately harmed and sustain severe human rights abuses.⁷ For decades in South Korea, military camptowns surrounding U.S. bases have been the site of harm and human rights abuses against Korean women. This is yet another chapter in the long history of the disproportionate impact and harm sustained by women in Korea as a result of U.S. militarism.

It is essential for the U.S.F.K. and U.S. government to show transparency and accountability, and engage with the allegations appropriately. This moment presents an opportunity for the United States to deliver justice to survivors and engage in redress and accountability.⁸

We are therefore urging that the Senate Armed Services Committee do the following:

1. Request that the Government Accountability Office and/or Department of Defense Inspector General –
   1. undertake a document and archival review of U.S. military, Department of Defense, and interagency records relating to prostitution regulation, STI control, and camptown oversight around U.S. bases in Korea during the 1950s–2010s;
   2. release all records relating to prostitution regulation, STI control, and camptown oversight around U.S. bases in Korea during the 1950s–2010s;
   3. report on whether they have initiated any investigation of this matter, and whether any compensatory and redress measures are being considered;
   4. if no investigation has been initiated, to undertake such an investigation and recommend compensatory steps to be taken to redress historic wrongs relating to prostitution regulation, STI control, and camptown oversight around U.S. bases in Korea during the 1950s–2010s. 
2. Hold a public hearing on this matter and the results of the review and investigation by the Government Accountability Office and/or Department of Defense Inspector General.

We understand the sensitivity of these issues and the importance of preserving the U.S.–R.O.K alliance. However, moral clarity, transparency, and justice for survivors are essential to upholding core U.S. values and maintaining global leadership on human rights.

As advocates committed to democratic ideals and gender-based justice we welcome the opportunity to schedule a meeting with each of you to discuss this important topic.

We thank you for your consideration and look forward to your response. Please do not hesitate to contact Cathi Choi at cathi@womencrossdmz.org with any questions.

cc: All Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee

Sincerely,

1. Ahn-Kim Jeong-Ae, Women Making Peace
2. Aiyoung Choi, Women Cross DMZ
3. Alejandra Rodriguez, Colectiva Olga Castillo
4. Alma Bulawan, Buklod Women Empowerment
5. Amelia Wu, Ibis Reproductive Health
6. Ana Maria R. Nemenzo, Woman Health Philippines
7. Anasuya Sengupta, Executive Director, Whose Knowledge, UK
8. Ane Mathieson, Mathieson Consulting
9. Ann Wright, Veterans For Peace
10. Anna Kerr, Feminist Legal Clinic Inc.
11. Anuradha Mittal, The Oakland Institute
12. Autumn Rene Burris, Survivors for Solutions, Founding Director
13. Bridget Moix, Friends Committee on National Legislation
14. Caroline Norma, Kaishun Shakai o Kangaeru Kai
15. Cassandra Chee, Women’s Voices Women Speak
16. Cat Yang, GYOPO
17. Cathi Choi, Women Cross DMZ
18. Christine Ahn, Institute for Policy Studies
19. Christine Y. Kim, GYOPO
20. Cindy Wiesner , Grassroots Global Justice Alliance
21. Clydie Pasia, Youth and Students Advancing Gender Equality
22. Colleen Moore, The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society
23. Corazon Valdez Fabros, International Peace Bureau 
24. Crystal Baik, UC Riverside
25. Cynthia Lazaroff, Women Transforming Our Nuclear Legacy
26. Danae Hendrickson, Legacies of War
27. Daru Wibowo, Puan Menulis
28. Deann Liem, Mu Films
29. Dena Al-Adeeb, Independent Scholar-Activist
30. Diana Ohlbaum, Board Chair, Center for International Policy
31. Dianne Post, CPIC NOW #040
32. Don Mee Choi, International Women’s Network Against Militarism
33. Donna M. Hughes, Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence
34. Dorchen A. Leidholdt, New York State Anti-Trafficking Coalition
35. Drisha Fernandes, The Beehive
36. Elisa L. Ebrole, Buklod Women Empowerment
37. Eunice Kwon, Women Cross DMZ
38. 김은지 (“Eunji Kim”), 경기여성연대 (“Gyeonggi Women’s Coalition”)
39. Fatema Ahmad, Muslim Justice League
40. Dr. Gail Dines, Culture Reframed
41. Giorgia Piantanida, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW)
42. Gloria Steinem, Activist and Author
43. Grace Cho, Author
44. Grizelda Grootboom, Survivor Exit Foundation, Founder
45. Gwyn Kirk, Women for Genuine Security
46. Halema Wali, Afghans For A Better Tomorrow
47. 최희신 (Choi Hee Shin), 활동가 (Activist)
48. Héma Sibi, Coalition for the Abolition of Prostitution (CAP Int’l)
49. Hosu Kim, College of Staten Island
50. Dr. Ingeborg Kraus, Trauma and Prostitution / Karlsruhe gegen Sexkauf
51. Isabella Vargas, Colectiva Olga Castillo
52. Janica Rosales, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women – Asia Pacific (CATW-AP)
53. Jassy Santos, PLU
54. Jean Enriquez, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women – Asia Pacific (CATW-AP)
55. Jennifer Deibert, American Friends Service Committee
56. Jess Baker, Women for Genuine Security
57. Ji Hye Kim, KAN-WIN
58. Ji-Yeon Yuh, Northwestern University
59. Jinah Kim, University of California, Merced
60. Joyce Muchan, All Voices International, Founder
61. Judy Kluger, Sanctuary for Families, CEO
62. Julie Karcis, Individual
63. Julie Moon, Cate School
64. Kaia Vereide, Gangjeong International Team
65. Kate Alexander, MADRE
66. Kavita N. Ramdas, KNR Sisters
67. Kelly Denn Tomas, Youth and Students Advancing Gender Equality
68. Koohan Paik-Mander, Author
69. Lara Kiswani, Arab Resource & Organizing Center (AROC)
70. Leah Hong, Women Cross DMZ
71. Leslie Harris, Veterans For Peace, CODEPINK
72. Lily Abella Mocles, Women Initiative for Social Empowerment
73. Linda Low, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
74. Lisa Natividad, I Hagan Famalao’an Guåhan
75. Liz Remmerswaal, World Beyond War Aotearoa New Zealand
76. Liza Gonzales, Bagong Kamalayan Survivors Collective
77. Lori Cohen, Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT), CEO
78. Madeleine Han, Yale University
79. Makanalani Gomes, Af3irm Hawaii, Missing Murdered Native Hawaiian Women, Girls, Mahi Report
80. Dr. Marie Berry, IGLI, University of Denver
81. Margo Okazawa-Rey, Women for Genuine Security, IWNAM, San Francisco State University
82. Marianne Ibo, Safe Spaces Movement
83. Mariya Dmytriyeva, Democracy Development Center
84. Martha Matsuoka, Women for Genuine Security
85. Mary Ann Manahan, Ghent University
86. Minette Joyce Mercado, Safe Spaces CNU
87. Miyoko Pettit-Toledo, University of Hawaii at Manoa, William S. Richardson School of Law
88. Mufida Atmadja, KomPPas, Founder
89. Namhee Lee, UCLA
90. Nana Mallet, Founder, End Demand Switzerland
91. Nanette Orly, GYOPO
92. Nataly Jung-Hwa Hanl Korea Verband e.V.
93. Nayoung Lee, Chung-Ang University
94. Olga Persson, Unizon, President
95. Patricia Cooper, Individual
96. Priya Moran, Friends Committee on National Legislation
97. Rebekah Anne Macarasig, Safe Spaces Movement
98. Sally E. Jones, Peace Action Fund of New York State
99. Sam Ikehara, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Hawaiʻi Okinawa Alliance
100. Sammie Moshenberg
101. Sharon Cabusao-Silva, Lila Pilipina
102. Shayna Lewis, Win Without War
103. Sinmin Pak, Unforgotten Butterflies
104. Stacy Nam, Mennonite Central Committee
105. Susan Schnall, Veterans For Peace
106. Suzy Kim, Rutgers University, Women Cross DMZ
107. Taina Bien-Aimé, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW)
108. Dr. Tegan Larin, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Australia (CATWA)
109. Toni Van Pelt, West Pinellas, National Organization for Women, Inc.
110. Virginia Lacsa Suarez, Pagkakaisa ng Kababaihan para sa Kalayaan (Kaisa Ka)
111. Wendi Deetz, Women Cross DMZ, Former Board Member
112. Yaroslava Muravetska, Feminism UA
113. Yasmin Vafa, Rights4Girls
114. Yel Tampus, Safe Spaces Movement
115. Yoon Ju Ellie Lee, GYOPO
116. Youngmi Cho, Sejong Cyber University
117. Yuliia Dorokhova, All-Ukrainian League Legalife

Note: Organizations/Affiliations Listed Only for Identification Purposes.

Organizational Signatories

1. BAYAN USA
2. End Demand Switzerland
3. Friends Committee on National Legislation
4. GABRIELA – USA
5. Hawaiʻi Aunties for Genuine Security
6. International Women’s Alliance – US
7. International Women’s Network Against Militarism
8. KAISA KA
9. MADRE
10. National Organization for Women – Ohio
11. National Organization for Women – Springfield Illinois
12. National Organization for Women – West Pinellas
13. Socialista Inc.
14. The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society
15. Veterans For Peace
16. Women Cross DMZ
17. Women for Genuine Security
18. Women for Peace – Finland
19. Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom US
20. World Beyond War Aotearoa New Zealand

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Footnotes:

1. Choe, Sang-Hun. “In a First, Korean Women Target U.S. Military in Suit Over Prostitution.” New York Times [Seoul], New York edition, 8 Sep. 2025, p. 10, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/08/world/asia/korea-comfort-women-us-military.html. ↩︎
2. Umeda, Sayuri. “South Korea: Supreme Court Rules Government Responsible for Harm Suffered by Sex Workers in US Military Camp Towns.” Library of Congress, Law Library of Congress, 12 Jan. 2023, https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2023-01-11/south-korea-supreme-court-rules-government-responsible-for-harm-suffered-by-sex-workers-in-us-military-camp-towns/. ↩︎
3. Choe, Sang-Hun. “A Brutal Sex Trade Built for American Soldiers.” New York Times, New York edition, 2 May 2023, p. 1, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/02/world/asia/korea-us-comfort-women-sexual-slavery.html. ↩︎
4. Choe, Sang-Hun. “In a First, Korean Women Target U.S. Military in Suit Over Prostitution.” New York Times [Seoul], New York edition, 8 Sep. 2025, p. 10, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/08/world/asia/korea-comfort-women-us-military.html. ↩︎
5. South Korean Women File Landmark Forced Prostitution Lawsuit against US Military. 9 Sep. 2025. Le Monde, https://www.lemonde.fr/en/united-states/article/2025/09/09/south-korean-women-file-landmark-forced-prostitution-lawsuit-against-us-military_6745189_133.html. ↩︎
6. Kim, Soobin, and Timothy W. Martin. “Battle Brews Over Site Tied to Postwar Sex Trade Near U.S. Bases in South Korea.” Wall Street Journal, 10 Oct. 2024, https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/battle-brews-over-site-tied-to-postwar-sex-trade-near-u-s-bases-in-south-korea-bb4b2ee9. ↩︎
7. Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, “How Militarism and Militarisation Fuel Gender-Based Violence and Exclusion,” https://www.wilpf.org/how-militarism-and-militarisation-fuel-gender-based-violence-and-exclusion/  ↩︎
8. Kitamura, Keely. “Korean Comfort Women: An Opportunity for the United States to Engage in Reparative Justice That Heals.” Asian-Pacific Law & Policy Journal, vol. 26, no. 1, Jan. 2025, pp. 143–89, https://manoa.hawaii.edu/aplpj/wp-content/uploads/sites/120/2025/01/4-Kitamura-Korean-Comfort-Women.pdf. ↩︎

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