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The Supreme Court of South Korea ruled Thursday that the House of Sharing, a shelter for survivors of Japanese military’s wartime sexual slavery located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi, must return donations collected from a donor over the years. This landmark decision addresses allegations of misuse of funds intended for the victims.
The House of Sharing has been a symbol of support for “comfort women,” a term used to describe the victims of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery. The ruling comes after a donor filed a lawsuit claiming that the shelter misappropriated funds that were meant to aid the survivors. The court’s decision mandates the return of the donations, highlighting a significant legal and ethical issue within charitable organizations.
The court’s judgment was based on evidence that the donations were not used in accordance with the donor’s intent. The funds were supposed to directly benefit the survivors, but investigations revealed discrepancies in the shelter’s financial practices. This ruling underscores the need for transparency and accountability in handling charitable donations.
In response to the ruling, the House of Sharing expressed disappointment but pledged to comply with the court’s order. The organization has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years over its financial management and treatment of the survivors. This case has brought to light broader concerns about the oversight and governance of non-profit organizations in South Korea.
The decision has also sparked discussions about the need for stricter regulations and monitoring of charitable institutions. Advocates for the survivors have called for comprehensive reforms to ensure that donations are used appropriately, and that the welfare of the victims is prioritized.