Statement by the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea Regarding the Potential Deployment of Armed Forces to the Strait of Hormuz
The NHRCK Expresses Concern Over the Government’s Consideration of Troop Deployment to the Strait of Hormuz
□ The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho) emphasizes that efforts toward international peace and peaceful resolutions serve as a crucial prerequisite for the protection of human rights, given that war and armed conflict pose grave threats to human dignity, life, and safety. From this perspective, the Chairperson expresses deep concern regarding the Korean government’s recent review of deploying South Korean armed forces to the Strait of Hormuz.
□ The government has stated that it is examining various options—including military contributions—in consideration of the free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the potential impact on the lives, property, and national economy of South Korean citizens. It also noted that it is comprehensively assessing diverse operational options, such as combat, non-combat, and search operations.
□ Instability in the Strait of Hormuz is closely linked to the ongoing armed conflicts in the Middle East. The international community has consistently emphasized the importance of diplomatic and peaceful solutions to prevent the escalation of armed conflict and to restore international peace and security.
□ War and armed conflict destroy the lives, safety, and daily routines of innocent civilians as well as military personnel, while posing a broad threat to human dignity and fundamental rights.
The Constitution of the Republic of Korea establishes international peace and a peaceful world order as core values. The Preamble of the Constitution explicitly commits the nation to contributing to world peace and the common prosperity of humankind.
In its General Comment No. 36, the UN Human Rights Committee noted that war and other acts of mass violence continue to claim countlessly many lives, stressing that preventing the risks of war and armed conflict and strengthening international peace and security are among the most essential conditions for safeguarding the right to life.
South Korea’s foreign and security policies, as well as the operational deployment of its armed forces, must likewise be formulated with full consideration of these constitutional values and international legal obligations.
□ In 2003, during the Iraq War, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea pointed out the impact of war on human life, safety, and international peace, affirming that the government and the National Assembly must take into account the principles of anti-war, peace, and human rights when making decisions on related matters. The principle that human life and safety must be protected from war and armed conflict remains a paramount consideration in the present situation.
□ The Strait of Hormuz, through which the vast majority of South Korea's crude oil imports pass, is deeply tied to the economic activities of its citizens. Although freedom of navigation in these waters is recognized under international law, unarmed Korean-flagged vessels navigating the area have previously come under attack. The State bears an obligation to review necessary responses to protect the lives and property of its citizens against external threats and to secure safe navigation for Korean vessels. At the same time, it must be borne in mind that deploying armed forces to a region with ongoing armed conflict may introduce new risks to the lives and safety of deployed service members and South Korean citizens, regardless of the nature of the mission.
□ Decisions regarding the deployment of armed forces must be made with utmost caution following a comprehensive assessment of the objective and necessity, legal grounds under international law, scope of mission and operations, potential involvement in armed conflict, impact on the lives and safety of service members and civilians, and available diplomatic alternatives.
□ Accordingly, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea requests that the government and the National Assembly prioritize dialogue and diplomatic solutions aimed at de-escalation over military responses. It is hoped that the Republic of Korea will stand as a leading nation in upholding international peace, human life, and dignity.
September 10, 2026
Ahn Chang-ho
Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission of Korea
