The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) hailed the government"s May 22, 2007 presentation of a blueprint for national human rights policies at home and abroad. The blueprint is based on the NHRCK"s recommendations and represents a finalized comprehensive plan on nation-wide human rights policies intended to improve laws, institutional schemes, and practices related with human rights.
In the process of formulation of the National Action plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights ("NAP on human rights"), however, there was a lack of consultation with the NHRCK and the general public regarding the priority of policy tasks and the requirements of vulnerable social groups. Furthermore, publicity targeting the public and reflection of public opinions remained somewhat inadequate.
In May 2001, the United Nations recommended that the government formulate the NAP on human rights. The Commission took immediate interest in the issue from the early phase. In January 2003, it reported to the Presidential Transition Committee the need for establishment of the NAP on human rights. In April 2003, the NHRCK made another special report to the National Assembly on the necessity for its formulation.
After consultation among the agencies concerned, the government decided in October 2003 to formulate the NAP on human rights following the drafting and recommendation of such plan by the Commission.
In order to prepare a draft NAP on human rights, the Commission conducted a basic fact-finding investigation for about two years. It also collected the opinions of experts and human rights groups and engaged in consultation with the ministries concerned by means of a working-level NAP team and a NAP planning unit.
In February 2006, the NHRCK recommended to the government a draft five-year NAP on human rights (2007-2011) comprising three chapters: overview of and approach to the NAP on human rights; human rights protection for vulnerable social groups and social minorities; and establishment of an infrastructure for the promotion of human rights.
In accordance with such recommendation, the government finalized its NAP on human rights on May 22, 2007, with the Ministry of Justice serving as the agency in charge.
In the opinion of the NRHCK, the government"s recently finalized NAP on human rights fails to present the forward-looking principles and visions for human rights protection as well as specific milestones, even though it is a mid- to long-term plan which must be implemented over the next five years.
The NAP on human rights should be established on the basis of universal principles and standards including international human rights norms. In addition, it must contain specific plans regarding international human rights organizations" requests for improvement. However, major controversial issues pertaining to the National Security Act, capital punishment, conscientious objectors to military service, and the alternative service system remain unaddressed.
The draft NAP on human rights recommended by the Commission places the highest priority on protecting the human rights of vulnerable social groups and minorities. However, the government"s NAP on human rights does not specify plans on insurance for persons with disabilities, employment discrimination in the private sector, the medical care system for impoverished children, human rights protection for those living in accommodation facilities, and human rights protection for sexual minorities.
To expedite the protection of human rights, the NHRCK will constantly monitor the implementation of the government"s NAP on human rights and proactively express its opinions on issues as necessary through mutual consultation. In addition, it will evaluate the implementation of the first five-year NAP on human rights in preparation for the drafting of the second NAP on human rights to be executed from 2012.
