Activities in Laos
Securing One’s Own Future
Read more
Activities in Palestine
In the besieged Gaza Strip, where both poverty and unemployment rates had reached nearly 50%, a large-scale military invasion started in the wake of Hamas’s raid on October 7, 2023. Even though a ceasefire was once reached, fierce land, sea, and air attacks as well as ground operations have resumed. With the complete block of relief supplies entering the Strip since March 2, 2025, the whole population of Gaza is in danger of starvation. The number of deaths has reached 58,000, as the worst humanitarian situation persists (as of July 13, 2025). On the other hand, Palestinian women’s rights to go out freely, work, and attend school are severely restricted in the patriarchal Arab society. In addition, the occupation continues to jeopardize the human rights and daily life of all Palestinians.
Activities in Sudan
Two years have passed since the outbreak of military clashes in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, we still see fighting in various regions throughout Sudan. According to a UN report, there are about 8.6 million internally displaced persons, and more than 3.8 million refugees abroad. In addition, 74% of school-age children don’t go to school. In the South Kordofan region (where JVC still has a presence), the armed forces blocked roads that restricted aid delivery and the movement of people, essentially causing a catastrophic famine. The situation for vulnerable children is also worsening with the increase of street children.
Activities in Yemen
The civil war between Ansar Allah (the Houthis) and the interim government has been ongoing since 2015. According to the United Nations, as of 2024, many children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition, and 39% of school-age children (ages 6–15) are not attending school. Located in the southwest, Taiz sits on the boundary between the two forces and continues to experience sporadic fighting. It is the second-most displaced governorate on the interim government side. As for children who have lived their entire lives in the shadow of war, repeated bombings, shelling, and constant displacement have left them with psychological distress. In addition, they lack adequate mental health care. While international media often highlight Houthi missile strikes and retaliatory air raids, the everyday hardships faced by displaced people remain largely overlooked.
Activities in Laos
In Laos, approximately 70% of the working population is engaged in agriculture, and many people live benefiting from its abundant natural resources. The natural bounty obtained from common resources (commons) such as land, forests, and rivers provides daily food and serves as support during emergencies. Furthermore, it functions as the basis of cultural and social identity, forming the foundation of villagers’ livelihoods. However, land expropriation and deforestation due to the advancement of development projects such as plantations and hydropower dams continue unabated, threatening villagers’ lives in terms of food, culture, and safety. Additionally, while the spread of cash crop cultivation has increased income, excessive dependence and soil degradation have made villagers’ livelihoods unstable and deepened social inequalities.
Activities in Korea
The Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) became a divided nation in the context of Japan’s colonial rule. Although Japan and North Korea are neighboring countries, Japan still has no diplomatic relations with North Korea, and the “threat theory” remains strong. Relations between North and South Korea rapidly deteriorated in early 2024, and the impact is spreading to the Korean community in Japan. In this context, there is a need to transcend political conflict and promote mutual understanding through grassroots exchanges. By deepening interest in the lifestyles, culture, and history of neighboring countries and by building trust between people, we aim to create a society free of discrimination and division, and to lay the foundation for peace in East Asia.
Research and Advocacy
As symbolized by the policies of the Trump administration in the United States, there is a growing global trend to prioritize one’s own interests and even to become more defiant, without considering the long-term perspective of aspiring for a desirable world. Outright violence, exploitation, and conflict are driven by profit, and the monopolization of wealth and authoritarian politics are being incited. In response to this situation, there is a need for dialogue and compromise between the parties involved with an emphasis on human rights.
Activities in Japan
The various issues in the world that we wish to resolve are closely interconnected across national borders. We will work together as citizens to address the ongoing conflicts, environmental destruction, and various human rights violations. We will expand the circle of international cooperation by continuing to reach out to as many people as possible, encouraging them to think together, and taking action hand in hand.