The National Human Rights Commission of Korea welcomes recent decision in favor of a sexual harassment victim working at a Korean NGO in Cambodia.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) recommended recently that the highest amount of damages be awarded to a sexual harassment victim, who was working in a welfare center run by a Korean non-governmental organization (NGO) in Phom Pehn, Cambodia.
The complainant, a Korean national worker at the Korean-run welfare center, filed a complaint to the Commission stating that she had suffered from continuous sexual harassment during her time at the center. The complainant alleged that the perpetrator would discuss his sexual life to inappropriate detail in front of the complainant and would subject the complainant to his topless body, while asking whether or not women were “fascinated” by this kind of behavior. The complainant also stated in her complaint that he would watch pornographic videos at volumes loud enough for the complainant to hear in her adjacent room. These actions caused the complainant to feel fearful and stressed on the job, and eventually terminated her position prematurely, despite her previous aspirations to hold her position at the center.
The respondent, the program manager at the center, denied all claims of sexual harassment.
After an on-site investigation with Cambodian employees related to the center and with individuals related to the case in Korea, the Commission discovered that the respondent had committed similar behavior toward other Cambodian employees and even volunteers that had visited the center.
The Commission concluded from the investigation that the complainant had been victim of sexual harassment from the respondent. The Commission recommended that the complainant receive 30 million won in damages and that the Korean NGO develop sexual harassment guidelines for employees, along with instituting educational initiatives to prevent recurrences of similar cases.
The recommended award for damages is a record high. As the respondent was in a position of high moral conscience and responsibility, the Commission believes that his actions abused status and power to sexually harass the complainant, other Cambodian employees and volunteers. Additionally, the behavior occurred continuously and repeatedly, exposing the complainant to emotional suffering and fear of being subjected to sexual harassment. This is especially so given the close quarter accommodations and the foreign environment for the complainant.
Considering the recent surge of interest and participation in overseas volunteer activities, the Commission requests that all related organizations strengthen sexual harassment prevention education for potential employees and volunteers.
The Commission plans to take all necessary measures to ensure the validity and effectiveness of all recommendations concerning overseas cases.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea was established in 2001, offering investigation and remedy services for Korean citizens and foreigners residing in Korea against human rights violations and discrimination. The Commission provides policy recommendations and remedial action against human rights infringements, collaborates with international human rights organizations and implements educational programs to improve the human rights culture.
