Statement following the Kumamoto Earthquake in Japan

To all those affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake:

On behalf of IPPF, I extend my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to everyone who has been affected by the Kumamoto earthquake disaster. Especially to those who have lost loved ones, their homes or their livelihoods, suffered injuries, been forced to endure displacement under extreme heat, or faced disruptions in accessing essential health services, including maternal and reproductive healthcare.

In recent times, communities across Japan have faced repeated challenges brought about by the impacts of climate breakdown including typhoons, torrential rains, flooding, landslides, and increasingly severe heat. To experience yet another major earthquake amid these ongoing hardships, even as memories of the impacts of the devastating earthquake ten years ago continue to linger, is an unimaginable burden. The shock, grief, uncertainty, and the feeling of asking, “Why again?” are entirely understandable.

Many of you may be facing each day with strength and determination while carrying deep concerns for your families, communities, and future. At this difficult time, we want you to know that you are not alone. We stand in solidarity with you and send our heartfelt support and encouragement. We sincerely hope that, in the days ahead, you will find safety, comfort, and renewed hope, and that your communities will be able to recover and rebuild with dignity and resilience.

With solidarity,
Maria Antonieta Alcalde
Director General, IPPF

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To all those engaged in the emergency response and recovery efforts following the Kumamoto Earthquake:

The people affected by the earthquake in Kumamoto are likely living each day with the sudden loss of normalcy, uncertainty about the future, and the immense responsibility of protecting their families and communities. In such circumstances, concerns that are difficult to speak about, as well as physical and emotional needs that may not appear urgent at first glance, are often overlooked or postponed. Yet safeguarding the dignity, health, and well-being of every individual is fundamental to sustainable recovery and rebuilding.

We therefore encourage all those involved in emergency response and recovery efforts to listen carefully to the needs and voices of everyone, including women, girls, gender-diverse people, older persons, and people living with disabilities, and those with migrant or foreign roots. This is essential to help create a recovery environment where everybody can safely access the support and services they need.

We express our deepest respect and appreciation for your tireless dedication and commitment. IPPF, together with Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning (JOICFP), our liaison office in Japan, remains committed to working alongside all partners to help ensure that the dignity, care and safety of every person affected by this disaster are protected throughout the recovery and reconstruction process.

With solidarity,

Maria Antonieta Alcalde

熊本地震の影響を受けた皆々様

IPPFは、このたびの地震により、ご家族や大切な方を亡くされた方々、負傷された方々、住まいや職場を失われた方々、また酷暑の中で不自由な避難生活を余儀なくされている方々、さらには妊娠・出産やその他の保健医療サービスの継続的な利用が困難になった方々をはじめ、影響を受けられたすべての皆様に、心よりお悔やみとお見舞いを申し上げます。

10年前の地震による傷跡が今なお残る中、度重なる台風や豪雨、洪水や土砂災害、そして年々厳しさを増す酷暑など、地域の皆様は幾重もの困難に向き合ってこられました。そのような中で再び大きな地震に見舞われたことへの驚きや不安、喪失感、そして「なぜまた」というお気持ちは、計り知れるものではありません。今は将来への見通しが持てず、気力を振り絞って一日一日を過ごしておられる方も多いことと存じます。どうか皆様が決してひとりではないことをお伝えしたく、ここに深い連帯の思いと心からの励ましのメッセージをお送りします。一日も早く、安心と希望を取り戻せる日々が訪れることを願っております。

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熊本地震の緊急・復興支援に携わる皆々様

熊本の被災者の皆様は、突然の日常の喪失や将来への不安、そして大切な家族や地域を守ろうとする大きな責任の中で日々を過ごしておられることでしょう。そのような状況では、声に出しづらい困りごとや、一見すると緊急性が低いように見える心身の悩みが後回しにされがちです。しかし、一人ひとりの尊厳と健康を守ることは、地域の復興の基盤そのものです。どうか避難所や地域コミュニティにおいて、女性、少女、高齢者、障がいのある方々、外国にルーツを持つ方々、セクシュアル・マイノリティ（LGBTQI）など、多様な背景をもつ人々の声に耳を傾け、それぞれが安心して必要な支援を受けられる環境づくりにお力添えをいただければ幸いです。

皆様の献身的なご尽力に深く敬意を表するとともに、被災されたすべての方々の尊厳、安全、そして健康が守られる復興支援の実現に向けてIPPFとしても日本連絡事務所であるジョイセフとともに取り組んでまいりたいと考えております。

IPPF事務局長　マリア・アントニエタ・アルカルデ