A Historic Milestone for Human Rights: The National Assembly's Passage of the "Framework Act on Life and Safety"
- An Advancement for Human Rights in Life and Safety: Codifying the Right to Safety,
Strengthening Accountability for the State, Municipalities, and Corporations,
and Institutionalizing Independent Investigation Systems -
□ The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho; hereinafter "NHRCK") sincerely welcomes the passage of the Framework Act on Life and Safety (jointly sponsored by Representatives Park Joo-min, Yong Hye-in, and Han Chang-min) at the plenary session of the National Assembly on May 7.
□ The Framework Act on Life and Safety explicitly defines every individual's right to live in safety as a fundamental constitutional right that the State must guarantee. It institutionalizes the responsibilities of both the central and local governments regarding the prevention of, response to, and recovery from disasters and hazards. Furthermore, the Act delineates corporate responsibility to protect life and safety from risks arising from business activities, while establishing a foundational framework for independent investigations and the protection of victims' rights in the wake of serious disasters. In this regard, the enactment is recognized as a significant institutional milestone toward building a safer society.
□ Since the tragic Sewol Ferry disaster, followed by the Itaewon Halloween crush, the Osong subterranean roadway flooding, and the December 29 passenger aircraft crash, the bereaved families of disaster victims have consistently demanded thorough fact-finding investigations. They have steadfastly called for legislation that firmly establishes life and safety as core duties of the State to ensure such tragedies are never repeated. The protracted endeavors of the bereaved families and civil society, spanning streets, public squares, the National Assembly, and social dialogues, served as the most vital cornerstone for this legislation. The Commission also highly commends the National Assembly's role in institutionalizing these long-standing societal demands.
□ Responding to these urgent societal calls, the NHRCK formulated the "Human Rights Guidelines for the Protection of Disaster Victims' Rights" in 2023, recommending its application to central and local governments. The Commission has continuously emphasized that the dignity and rights of victims must be safeguarded throughout the entire cycle of a disaster. We find it deeply meaningful that these core human rights principles have been faithfully integrated into the newly passed Framework Act on Life and Safety.
□ The passage of this Act marks a pivotal turning point for our society to transition into a safer environment. However, to fully realize the statutory intent of this legislation, subsequent institutional frameworks and faithful implementation must follow.
□ Subordinate regulations must meticulously ensure the practical independence and expertise of investigative bodies established during major disasters. This is crucial to resolving the chronic delays in launching investigations and preventing the loss of the "golden hour" for fact-finding, issues that have repeatedly occurred due to delays in enacting separate special laws.
□ Matters regarding the victims' right to know, right to participate, access to information, and recovery support must be concretely institutionalized rather than remaining as mere declarations. To this end, the government must fully gather the opinions of the bereaved families, affected parties, and civil society, cooperating closely with them during the drafting of enforcement decrees and lower-level systems.
□ Life and safety are fundamental constitutional rights that serve as the prerequisite for human dignity, value, and the pursuit of happiness. We hope that the passage of this Act will firmly cement life and safety as an unshakeable principle of state governance. The NHRCK will continue its utmost efforts to ensure that everyone's right to live in safety and to be protected with dignity is fully realized across our society.
May 8, 2026
Ahn Chang-ho
Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission of Korea
