An unveiling ceremony for Italy's first "Statue of Peace" on June 22 at 11 a.m. was held in Stintino, a city on the Italian resort island of Stintino. Shown is Stintino Mayor Rita Vallebella (left) sitting on the empty chair next to the statue. (Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance)  

By Koh Hyunjeong

The Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance on June 22 said a ceremony was held in Stintino, a city on the Italian resort island of Sardinia, to unveil the European country's first "Statue of Peace." 

The work depicting a young girl commemorates the victims of Japan's sexual slavery before and during World War II.

This is the 14th such statue installed outside Korea and the second of its kind in Europe placed in a public spot after the first in Berlin. 

Before the ceremony, council chief Lee Na-young and Stintino Mayor Rita Vallebella met at the latter's office to discuss Japan's past sexual slavery as an issue of the universal human rights of women, affirming universal values toward a peaceful world without war.

Mayor Vallebella said the statue is a reminder of the causes of sexual violence women still experience around the world, ruling out any correction in the statue's inscription or removal if requested by Japan.

"'Statue of Peace' isn't just an issue between Korea and Japan but also reflects the experiences and voices of countless women in the Asia-Pacific region," Lee added. "It symbolizes resistance against gender-based violence across the world and hope for peace."

Following the congratulatory speeches was a performance of the Korean folk song "Arirang," which moved many attendees to tears. The council said the tune symbolized the mournful longing of the victims, who were forced to go overseas by the Japanese military and never returned home.

A popular luxury resort in Italy, Stintino attracts thousands of visitors from the U.S. and Europe every year.

hjkoh@korea.kr