The YWCA of Japan has condemned the military attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel in a statement dated 3 March 2026, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The statement was published on the organization’s English news page and is signed by President Sayaka Higuchi and General Secretary Chie Yamamoto.
In the statement, the YWCA of Japan argues that the military attack launched against Iran on 28 February 2026 by the United States and Israel violates the UN Charter. The organization frames the attacks as a challenge to the international legal order and to the UN’s mission of maintaining international peace and security.
The statement also refers to reported casualties during the ongoing exchange of retaliatory strikes, including media reports about children killed in a school bombing in southern Iran. The YWCA of Japan stresses that attacks on civilian facilities are prohibited under international humanitarian law and reaffirms the inviolability of the right to life. Notably, the statement presents the school casualty claim as a reference to media reports.
Highlighting the disproportionate impact of war on women, children and other vulnerable groups, the organization links its position to Japan’s historical experience of militarism and aggression. As part of the World YWCA Movement, it reiterates its commitment to what it describes as “Peace with Justice.”
From this position, the YWCA of Japan says it strongly condemns the military attack by the United States and Israel and calls on all parties to immediately cease military hostilities and comply with international law. It also urges the Japanese government to explicitly state the violations of international law committed by the United States and Israel.
The organization further calls on the Japanese government to return to the perspective expressed in the Preamble of the Constitution of Japan, including the idea that no nation is responsible to itself alone, and to strongly urge all governments involved to pursue peace through nonviolent means.
Separately, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on 1 March 2026 that the United States and Israel had announced attacks against Iran on 28 February, and said the Japanese government was monitoring the situation, including the safety of Japanese nationals and regional sea and air traffic. The ministry also stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts for an early settlement of the situation.
