Chairperson Ahn Kyong-Whan of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) visited His Eminence Cardinal Nicolas Jeong Jin-Suk at the Myeongdong Cathedral on October 26, 2007 to discuss human rights in Korea. The visit was part of the Commission’s efforts to explore more active cooperation with religious communities, and to join forces to improve the nation’s human rights situation.
Chairperson Ahn expressed great appreciation for the Korean Catholic Church’s efforts to promote human rights, particularly the remarkable role that the Church played during the democratization movement in Korea. Additionally, Chairperson Ahn applauded the Church’s activities in service as a shelter for the socially vulnerable in society, and taking the lead in the campaign to abolish the death penalty.
Cardinal Jeong expressed his opinion that abortion is the most serious human rights violation issue that the country is faced with. He went on to say that an abortion not only destroys the life of the fetus, but also harms the human psyche and, more directly, devastates the mother’s psyche and self-esteem. Cardinal Jeong requested that the Commission develop a recommendation or solution in response to this.
Chairperson Ahn emphasized that the right to life is the most highly-valued human right, but also expressed his opinion that abortion requires a fair and comprehensive review, as the right of the woman also comes into concern. Reluctance to have a baby is a result from many social factors in society, including equal opportunity issues, and the care, nurturing and education of children.
Cardinal Jeong also called for special attention to persons with disabilities. In particular, he highlighted that about ten percent of the 4.9 million persons with disabilities do not have access to care from family members or others close to them, and asked the commission to formulate solutions to address these issues. Cardinal Jeong expressed his hope that the Commission would endeavor to eliminate prejudice, ensure protective facilities and promote the human rights of persons with disabilities. He stated that these things are first necessary in order for Korea to become a social welfare nation.
Chairperson Ahn underlined the importance placed on the issue of the human rights of persons with disabilities in the Commission’s pursuits, and explained that the Commission oversees facilities for persons with disabilities to assess whether or not they are treated with respect. Chairperson Ahn agreed with Cardinal Jeong’s statement regarding Korean society’s prejudice against persons with disabilities and the lack of facilities. Chairperson Ahn also pointed out the branding of protective facilities as abominable, saying that this should be corrected immediately as it is based on a belief that people with and without disabilities cannot live together. With this, Chairperson Ahn stressed the necessity of Catholicism’s active education on the issue and underscored the impact of what religious leaders say and do.
Building on this visit at the Myeongdong Cathedral, the Commission is planning to initiate further operational discussions in the interest of establishing a more regular communication structure with the Catholic Church and producing a variety of methods for cooperation.
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.
