Chairperson Ahn commends the center for their ability to uphold the human rights of women in their facilities and accepts to review situation of correctional officers
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) visited the Cheongju Women's Detention Center on July 6, 2007, led by Chairperson Ahn Kyoung-Whan and the Standing Commissioner Choi Young-Ae. After an extensive tour and review, Chairperson Ahn commended the facility’s staff and correctional officers for upholding dignity in human rights and serving their stations well.
The visit to the Cheongju Women’s Detention Center was to review the conditions of the facilities, the training programs and treatment of the inmates, along with a hearing for any grievances from the correctional officers. Both the Center and the Commission were prepared to discuss any alternative policies or regulations at the Center, if necessary.
During the conversations, correctional officers expressed their thoughts to the Commission. “It seems like the Commission has not given [the situation of correctional officers] much thought and is only concerned with human rights [of the inmates]. This is disappointing to us… The Cheongju Women’s Detention Facility is a specialized institution for women inmates. Other detention centers have a similar number of female inmates and we should have another women’s facility. We also have problems because we do not have specialized medical care facilities. In order to perform our work properly, we should have an improved medical center.” Other issues discussed included improving “inferior working environment accommodations” for the officers.
“It’s been five years since the establishment of the Commission and the environment of all detention facilities has been improving steadily,” said Chairperson Ahn at the meeting. “The correctional officers have worked hard and I recognize the difficulty that they endured because of these changes. …Up to this point, the Commission has only focused on the situation of the inmates, but from here on we will include the treatment and environment in which correctional officers must work into our reviews.”
Ahn concluded the meeting, stating, “I commend you for your efforts in maintaining the human rights of the women in this facility… As you are obligated to your nation and people by mandate and your authorities, and I hope that you will forever carry on with your work with pride.”
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea was established in 2001 to promote human rights education and defend those who have experienced discrimination, or have had a right violated, in Korea. The Commission offers counseling, full investigation and protection for citizens, along with educational initiatives for organizations.
