World War II rape survivor, human rights activist and author Jan Ruff-O’Herne AO has died at the age of 96.
The International Peace Prize winner and decorated peace activist passed away surrounded by family in Adelaide on Monday morning.
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman expressed her sadness at the death of Jan Ruff-O’Herne.
Vickie Chapman said that Mrs Ruff-O’Herne was an inspiration of her generation, bringing to light her extraordinary story of survival in 1992 after seeing Korean War rape victims making appeals for justice on television.
“Today we pay tribute to her courage for breaking her 50 years of silence to tell the world of her pain, both physical and psychological, during the Japanese invasion of Indonesia in World War II,” Ms Chapman said.
“Jan Ruff-O’Herne has worked determinedly for decades to support the plight of ‘comfort women’ and for the protection of women in war and armed conflict.”
Carol Ruff, daughter of Ruff-O’Herne, said to SBS Korean “We are so proud of her. She had an amazing life”
“We hope that people will be continually inspired by her campaign”
Mrs Ruff-O’Herne has worked with the Human Rights Commission, International Red Cross, and Amnesty International, speaking in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the US and UK, the Netherlands and many other countries, sharing her incredible story.
Her autobiography, ‘Fifty Years of Silence’, published by Random House has been translated into six different languages, including Japanese, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese and Korean.
Mrs Ruff-O’Herne received an Order of Australia in 2002, a papal honour from Pope John Paul II, Dame Commander of the Order of Saint Sylvester in the same year and in 2004 received a Centenary medal from Prime Minister John Howard for contribution made to Australian society.
