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Statement by the NHRCK Chairperson on the Jeju Air Passenger Plane Disaster
Condolences and Prayers for the Victims
Human Dignity Must Be Fully Guaranteed in Disaster Situations
With a heavy heart, Ahn Chang Ho, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), extends heartfelt condolences to the victims of the “Jeju Air Flight 2216 Runway Deviation Accident” that occurred on December 29. Deep sympathies are also extended to the bereaved families.
On December 29, at 9:03 a.m., a Jeju Air plane en route to land at Muan Airport after departing from Bangkok, Thailand, collided with the outer wall of the runway and caught fire. Tragically, 179 of the 181 passengers and crew members lost their lives, leaving only two crew members as survivors.
The Constitution of the Republic of Korea stipulates that the State must guarantee fundamental rights, including human dignity and the right to life, prevent disasters, and protect citizens from harm. Disasters and tragedies risk violating a range of rights, including the dignity and value of human beings, the right to life, privacy, freedom, and honor. Consequently, the State’s responsibility to safeguard individuals’ fundamental rights during disasters or tragedies must be fulfilled comprehensively and meticulously.
In March 2023, the NHRCK developed the “Human Rights Guidelines for the Protection of the Rights of Disaster Victims.” These guidelines emphasize that disasters can threaten human life and safety, cause irreparable damage, and undermine the foundation of life, thereby jeopardizing human dignity. Accordingly, all disaster responses must prioritize the protection and promotion of human dignity and fundamental human rights.
Above all, the government and local authorities must place the highest priority on protecting human dignity and fundamental rights during the recovery and restoration efforts following this passenger plane disaster. This includes supporting victims and devising measures to prevent recurrence. Throughout the response process, it is essential to provide victims with accurate information and systematically ensure sufficient protection and support.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the protection of victims' rights in this disaster. The release of the passenger list without prior consent and calls from bereaved families for the media to avoid intrusive coverage of survivors and families highlight the need for careful action. The government and local authorities must ensure that media organizations report disaster-related content responsibly and truthfully while preventing human rights violations, such as hate speech directed at disaster victims.
The NHRCK affirms its commitment to respecting disaster victims as individuals entitled to dignified rights. We will closely monitor the government’s follow-up measures to identify the causes of this tragedy and prevent future occurrences. Additionally, we will continue our efforts to protect and promote the right to life and the right to safety, which are the fundamental human rights of all people.
Once again, we mourn the victims of this tragic plane disaster and offer our prayers for their eternal rest. We also wish for the swift recovery of the injured.
December 30, 2024
Ahn Chang Ho
Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission of Korea
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