Chairperson Ahn Kyong-Whan of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) visited the Jogye Temple and interviewed with the Executive Chief Jigwan of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order on September 3, 2007. The Chairperson and the Executive Chief discussed collaboration to improve human rights conditions in Korea between the two organizations.
This visit is part of Chairperson Ahn's continued efforts to enhance cooperation between various religious communities and human rights promotion, including Buddhist sects, Protestant, Catholic and Won Buddhist organizations. Many religious organizations have a wide influence and access to large communities, and Chairperson Ahn aptly noted the potential these organizations have in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Through the visit, the Chairperson hopes to establish a more intimate relationship with the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order and work collaboratively to promote human rights in Korea. The success of this relationship will further the involvement of religious organizations in the future.
Further supporting the efforts to enhance cooperation between various religious organizations in the promotion of human rights, Chairperson Ahn met with Chief Executive Pastor Oh-Seong Park of the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) on September 11, 2007. Chairperson Ahn will also meet with Cardinal Jin-Seok Chung of the Catholic Church of Korea and the Head of Dharma Masters of Won Buddhism this September.
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 residents, along with educational initiatives for organizations.
