The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) celebrated Standing Commissioner Choi Young-Ae's completion of six years of service to the Commission in September 2007. Choi began her service on October 3, 2001 as a key member of the committee for the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea.
Standing Commissioner Choi remained dedicated to human rights much before and during her time at the Commission. She served the Commission as director of the establishment committee, as inaugurate Secretary General and finally rounded off her service to the Commission as a Standing Commissioner.
Choi was involved with many initiatives to increase collaboration between the Commission and other social justice organizations, and pushed tirelessly for the development of sensitivity toward human rights and a human rights culture in Korea. Most notably, Choi prepared much of the foundational work for the Commission’s recommendation on the National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAP) and the proposal for the Anti-Discrimination Act.
Before coming to the Commission, Choi served many posts in the public service sector. These posts include membership to the Police Reform Committee of the National Police Agency (9/98-1/99), the Youth Sexuality Committee of the Government Youth Commission (8/98-9/01), the Police and Civil Society Cooperation Committee of the National Police Agency (2000-9/01), the Police Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (6/01-9/01) and membership to the Board of the Korea Human Rights Foundation (11/99-6/05).
Choi will be visiting the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, USA as a visiting researcher in Women’s Studies from October 2007 to February 2008.
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 residents, along with educational initiatives for organizations.
