What was the death rate in Japanese civilian internment camps?

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The Death Rate in Japanese Civilian Internment Camps During World War II

During World War II, over one in ten Allied civilians held in Japanese internment camps perished. The vast majority of the approximately 130,000 Allied civilians interned by the Japanese were Dutch nationals.
High Mortality Among Interned Civilians

The conditions within the internment camps led to a significant loss of life among the civilian population. Historical accounts indicate that more than 10 percent of those held captive did not survive their ordeal. This high mortality rate underscores the brutal nature of the internment experience for those caught in Japanese custody.
Predominance of Dutch Civilians

The Dutch formed the largest group among the interned Allied civilians, significantly outnumbering other nationalities. This demographic reality meant that the collective memory of the internment camps in the Netherlands is particularly vivid, with their experiences deeply etched into the national consciousness.
Impact of Conditions on Survivors

The internment camps were characterised by severe deprivation, including extreme hunger, lack of adequate water, intense heat, and a complete absence of hygiene. Survivors often recounted enduring prolonged periods of being counted under the sun, with meager rations, such as a small amount of rice, being the only sustenance. The psychological toll was also immense, with children sometimes risking severe punishment, even the death penalty, for attempting to find food outside the camp boundaries.

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What was the death rate in Japanese civilian internment camps?

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