“NHRC strengthens cooperation among related-government organs on human rights policymaking”
In order to carry out consultation with state organs and local government more efficiently, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) plans to amend the Enforcement Order of the NHRC Act (NHRCA) to set up and run a “Council for Human Rights-related Policymakers” (hereafter “Council”).
The NHRC Secretary General will serve as the Council’s chair, and the Council members will consist of: (1) directors or higher-ranking officers at state administrative organs, municipal government of the main cities, and province-level local government, as nominated by the head of each organ, and (2) human rights scholars or other non-government experts with rich experience in human rights areas, as nominated by the NHRC president. The Council will be a vehicle for consultation on: (1) drafting recommendations for the human rights National Action Plan (NAP), (2) matters relating to recommendations as stipulated in articles 19, 25, 44 and 48 of the NHRCA, (3) the exchange and sharing of human rights-related information, and (4) other matters required to safeguard and further human rights.
In the course of conducting consultation on weighty issues—such as on the NAP and enactment of a law prohibiting discrimination—with all arms of local and national government, the Commission found certain weaknesses with the existing provisions on consultation (article 20, NHRC Act). To address such inadequacies, the Commission began promoting amendment of the NHRCA toward setting up a council, and after 6 months of building discussion within related government organs, such work has born fruit.
The amended Enforcement Order of the NHRCA will come into force on 17 March 2004. After finalizing the council membership, the council is expected to heighten the effectiveness of the Commission’s recommendations in that local and state government, civic groups and other experts will come to consensus on important human rights issues affecting large numbers of Korean people
The remaining tasks include establishing the rules for constituting and administering the council, selecting experts to serve on the council, and promoting consultation.
