NHRCK Attends GANHRI General Assembly in Geneva
- Elected as Asia-Pacific Representative to the GANHRI Bureau -
- Highlights NHRCK’s Initiatives on Digital Technology and Human Rights to the International Community -
□ The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho; hereinafter "NHRCK") attended the General Assembly of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), held in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 30 to April 1.
□ The GANHRI General Assembly was attended by National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from around the world, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), among others, to discuss a wide range of pressing human rights issues.
Addressing Global Conflicts: Participants expressed deep concern over the escalating conflicts in the Middle East. They emphasized the critical need for the protection of civilians, strict adherence to international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and the swift establishment of a peaceful resolution.
Digital Rights and AI: Key agenda items included the human rights of migrants and the role of NHRIs in promoting and protecting human rights in the digital space. During the discussions on "Digital Technology and Human Rights," the NHRCK shared its initiatives to ensure that a human rights-based approach is integrated into South Korea’s legislative processes regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Adoption of the Statement: As a result of the meeting, participants adopted a statement on the protection of human rights in the digital space, reaffirming the necessity of a human-rights-centered approach during digital transformation and the pivotal role of NHRIs. They specifically highlighted concerns regarding illegal surveillance, misuse of personal data, and algorithmic discrimination, underscoring that international human rights law must be applied equally within the digital realm.
□ Election to the GANHRI Bureau
During this General Assembly, the NHRCK was elected as a representative of the Asia-Pacific region to the GANHRI Bureau, with a four-year term from 2026 to 2029. The Asia-Pacific representatives to the Bureau now comprises Jordan, Pakistan, Palestine, and the Republic of Korea. The GANHRI Bureau is the governing body responsible for cooperation and operational matters among NHRIs worldwide. Building on its experience serving on the Bureau from 2019 to 2024, the NHRCK will continue its active engagement in the international human rights fora.
□ Rights of Older Persons
Furthermore, in its capacity as the Chair of the GANHRI Working Group on Ageing, the NHRCK held a bilateral meeting with the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand. Both parties agreed on the need for a comprehensive approach to the human rights of older persons in super-ageing societies and the necessity of drafting a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. They emphasized that increased attention and participation from national governments are essential to this process.
