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Support Materials for the Learning Resource
“Human Rights in the Asia Pacific 1931-1945:
Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship”
Developed by the Ministry of Education of British Columbia
in partnership with
B.C. Association for Learning & Preserving the History of WW II in Asia (ALPHA)

B.C. ALPHA is pleased to share with you our excitement that the British Columbia Ministry of Education has recently published a special learning resource, "Human Rights in the Asia Pacific 1931-1945: Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship".

This teachers’ guide is to support the high school curriculums of History, Social Studies and Law in British Columbia, Canada. It addresses issues related to the atrocities that occurred during the Asia-Pacific War (1931-1945), including the redress movement for victims and survivors such as the former so-called "comfort women" of the Japanese Imperial Army. Our Organization is honoured to be a partner of this meaningful project, working together with teachers of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation and historians.

The approval for publication of revisionist history textbooks by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology in 2001 has caused great concern worldwide, especially among the Asian neighbours of Japan. The publication of “Human Rights in the Asia Pacific 1931-1945: Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship" is indeed timely. We believe this endeavour by educators in Canada contributes to humanity, justice and world peace.

April 11, 2001
British Columbia Ministry of Education Announcement
NEW GUIDE TEACHES ABOUT WAR IN ASIA PACIFIC

VANCOUVER - A teachers' guide for educating students about conflicts in the Asia Pacific region during the Second World War has been developed by the Ministry of Education in concert with the Asian community, Education Minister Joy MacPhail announced today.

"Our teachers were doing a good job of educating students about the history of the Second World War, but the focus was on Europe," MacPhail said. "It's important for our students to learn about the Asia Pacific region as well."

Human Rights in the Asia Pacific 1931-1945: Social Responsibility and
Global Citizenship was developed by the ministry in collaboration with B.C. teachers, academics, organizations and individuals. Most Canadian textbooks about the Second World War focus on Europe, and this guide deals with conflicts that took place in Asia.

The guide, which is intended for grades 11 and 12, includes documents and information that will allow students to investigate issues related to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"If we're to break the cycle of violence, we must be aware of our own capacity for evil, learn how to uphold and promote human rights and peace, and prevent the suffering of others," said Dr. Robert Fowler, former dean of the faculty of education at the University of Victoria and a member of the team that reviewed the resource.

Contributors to the resource include the B.C. Association for Learning and Preserving the History of WWII in Asia (B.C. ALPHA), the Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens' Association human rights committee, and Canadian veterans and prisoners of war.

The guide will be distributed to teachers next month.

This is a resource guide to support aspects of senior Social Studies including History 12, Law 12, and Social Studies 11. It provides documents and information about events that took place prior to and during WWII in the Asia Pacific Area. The documents and information are intended to allow students to investigate issues related to war crimes and crimes against humanity. French version is also available.

This resource is available for purchase online from the Government Publication Services.
You can go to: http://www.publications.gov.bc.ca/
Then click on icon "General Public Go Shopping"
Then type "Human Rights in the Asia Pacific" and click on "Search"
Then click on the resource title
Then click on "Add to shopping cart"
And then follow the instructions for purchasing.

B.C. ALPHA offers the following support to teachers:-

• Help arrange speaker, survivor and eyewitness for school

• Reference and video materials available on loan to teachers

• Maintain a website supporting this learning resource

• Traveling exhibits on “Comfort Women”, Unit 731 - Biological and Chemical Warfare Unit, and Nanking Massacre available for rental

Contact Phone: (604) 439-7738 or Email: bcalpha@alpha-canada.org

Reference List

References books and videos for Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific 1931 - 1945: Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship

International Agreements Related to Compensation Claims & Rules of War

Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field. Geneva, 22 August 1864

Hague Convention 1899: Laws and Customs of War on Land (Hague II)

Hague Convention IV: Convention Respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land, October 18, 1907