Chairperson Lee Sung-Ho of National Human Rights Commission of Korea had an official meeting with Acting U.S. Ambassador to Korea Marc Knapper and discussed measures for cooperation between the two institutions for promotion of human rights in Korea including the issue of sexual minorities and North Korean human rights.
Ambassador Marc Knapper recalled human rights situation in Korea 20 years ago when he first came to Korea and dealt with human rights issues and said it is encouraging to see Korea’s remarkable social development and enhancement of human rights. At the same time, he expressed his concern on human rights situation in North Korea, referring to the meeting with Michael Kirby, former Chair of COI, who have recently made a visit to Korea.
Chairperson Lee and Ambassador Knapper agreed that human rights is an universal value for the mankind to which both Korea and U.S. aim for and there is a need to pursue further cooperation for promotion and protection of human rights both in and out of Korea.
During the meeting, Ambassador Knapper appreciated efforts of NHRCK for promotion of human rights in Korea and expressed
his gratitude for the support that NHRCK has shown in regards to the Country Reports on Human Rights Practice carried out by the U.S. Department of State.
Meanwhile, on 23 August, Chairperson Lee met with H.E. Eric Walsh, Canadian Ambassador to Korea and discussed cooperation between the two institutions to promote human rights education in Korea and establish a system to deal with human rights related issued at the local government level, following his visit to Equitas, a Canadian human rights education foundation.
