Chairperson Ahn of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea sends urgent request for assistance to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Chairperson: Ahn, Kyong-Whan) sent urgent correspondence to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission today via faxed letter and telephone. The correspondence expressed a need for the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission to acknowledge its role in the situation, and urged the Commission to provide any form of assistance possible to ensure safety for the Korean hostages.
The message from Chairperson Ahn also stated that the two Commissions must collaborate even more closely in times of difficulty to show their commitment to the advancement of human rights. Additionally, the Chairperson stated that the main concern of the NHRCK was to ensure that the Korean hostages return without having been subjected to torture or any other cruel and inhumane treatment.
During a phone conversation with Mr. Fahim Hakim, interim Vice Chairpreson for Dr. Simar Samar, Chairperson Ahn of the NHRCK stressed again the importance of collaboration and cooperation on part of both Commissions in order to settle the situation as peacefully and effectively as possible.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea was established in 2001 to promote human rights education and defend those who have experienced discrimination, or have had a right violated, in Korea. The Commission offers counseling, full investigation and protection for citizens, along with educational initiatives for organizations.
The English version of the letter is attached.
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23 July 2007
Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission
Karte 3,
Pul-e-Surkh,
Kabul, Afghanistan
Dear Dr. Simar Samar
National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) would like to first express its deep appreciation and gratitude to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission for its continued efforts toward the promotion of Human Rights in the Asian Pacific region. NHRCK places firm confidence in the solidarity between the two Commissions, which we believe will prove crucial in these hard times.
It is with deep regret and alarm that we face the current emergency situation concerning the kidnapping and holding of 23 Korean civilians in Afghanistan. As we have the common goal of promoting and protecting human rights, NHRCK believes that both our Commissions should assist in ensuring the human rights of the concerned; the most important being that the kidnapped civilians return home safely while not becoming subject to torture and other forms of cruel and inhumane treatment.
Realizing this, NHRCK would like to request the kind cooperation of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission in realizing this goal. Considering the nature of this emergency, we would like to request that your Commission come up with a viable plan of action in a speedy manner. NHRCK firmly believes that your Commission shares our vision and will provide invaluable assistance in our efforts to promote the safety of the endangered Korean civilians.
Sincerely,
Kyong-Whan Ahn
Chairperson
National Human Rights Commission
Republic of Korea
