Standing Commissioner Kim Ho-Joon of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) visited the Yangji Noin Maeul ("Sunny Village for the Elderly") located in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, on November 13, 2007.
Yangji Noin Maeul is a protective live-in facility for the elderly currently inhabited by 63 senior citizens. Eligible residents must be of 65 years of age or older with advanced illnesses associated with old age, including dementia and apoplexy, or who are beneficiaries of basic livelihood security.
The purpose of the visit was to identify the status of the welfare and human rights of the elderly as the Korean population is rapidly aging. Standing Commissioner Kim spoke with Yangji residents and spent time doing activities for and with the residents, such as reading and accompanying some residents on walks.
As in 2006, the Commission has paid particular attention to the human rights of the elderly as one of the Commission’s 10 Focus Areas for 2007.
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.
