June 19- The NHRCK welcomed a bill on the status and treatment of refugees from Hwang Woo-Yeo, a member of the National Assembly. The purpose of the bill is to improve Korean law so it meets the standards of international laws on human rights and refugees. The bill also provides concrete regulation for the treatment of refugees, and procedures for the recognition of refugee status.
In 2006, the NHRCK issued a recommendation to the Korean government asking for legislation that would create an independent refugee law. The law would contain effective procedures for the recognition of refugee status and proper social treatment. “The bill presented by Hwang is consistent with the Commission’s recommendation and the international standard for refugee laws,” commented the NHRCK.
In Korea, out of 2,000 applicants for the status of refugee, there are a total of 107 recognized refugees and 109 people given permission to remain in the country (as of April 2009). There are 10.5 million international refugees who need the protection of foreign countries. Concerning its economical status, the Korean government needs to be more involved in the improvement of the human rights situation of those refugees.
In addition, every June the NHRCK holds an annual forum commemorating the “World Refugee Day.”
This year’s forum was held on June 19, under the theme “Policy on Protection of Fundamental Rights of Domestic Refugees and Social Integration.” It was co-organized by the NHRCK and the UNHCK Representation in the Republic of Korea.
The participants discussed the situation of refugees in Korea, along with the proper measures the government should take. The forum drew ideas on the standards and direction of policies the society should aim towards, as well as practical ways for social integration regarding the protection of refugees.
