The NHRCK has repeatedly expressed its opinions and issued recommendations against the execution of the death penalty, stating that it violates the fundamental right to life, and therefore should be abolished to comply with the Constitution and the international human rights treaties.
In addition, the U.N., adopting the resolution “moratorium on the use of the death penalty,” emphasized that the death penalty has not been proven to have a special deterrent effect on terrorism and crime, nor does it make abrupt and serious changes in society when abolished.
The abolition of the death penalty is an international trend and the Korean government has been consistently recommended to abolish the death penalty by the UN Human Rights Committee and UPR (Universal Periodic Review).
On March 16, Justice Minister Lee, Kwi-Nam expressed that the Ministry would bring the abolished Protective Custody back to society to deter sex offenders and heinous criminals.
The NHRCK recommended Speaker of the National Assembly and Justice Minister abolish Social Protection Act that contains Protective Custody, which led to actual abolition of the Act by the government.
The government should be highly prudent as the execution of the death penalty and readoption of Protective Custody are both closely related to the basic rights of the Korean people. The NHRCK hereby reconfirms its position, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding basic human rights.
