A Statement to the Public
- The NHRCK Chairperson's Position Regarding the Recent Controversy –
I am truly sorry to have worried the public with the controversial resignation of commissioners of the NHRCK at a time when their term was soon to expire.
However, I cannot help being concerned since this situation may turn into a political issue and increase the level of dispute. I have been waiting quietly for the situation to calm down until today. However, various statements, comments and press reports are being made in a direction considerably different from the truth. Therefore, I believe the time has come to articulate the facts regarding the situation to date.
As you are well aware, the NHRCK was founded as an independent entity to promote and protect the universal human rights of every individual. Since taking office as chairperson in July of last year, I stated several times that we should not be swayed in maintaining the status of such an independent agency and performing our responsibilities as an public institution serving the public. I also strived hard to act accordingly.
Some remarks I made earlier have been misunderstood or distorted because they were delivered incorrectly or taken out of context. I believe it is my duty to explain the truth in detail.
Human rights are universal values applicable to everyone and pre-ordained to defend the position of the disadvantaged and minorities. Therefore, for every issue, the NHRCK makes a decision through legitimate voting procedures of a consultative voting organization after rigorous preparation, intense discussions and deliberation among commissioners. In this process, depending on individual issues, not every request or expectation has been fully satisfied. I am well aware that some such issues have become controversial recently.
However, I would like to state that every member of the NHRCK, including myself, has tried to discuss and pass judgment on every issue from the perspective of furthering human rights-based on the independence of the NHRCK. In particular, every decision made by the NHRCK undergoes deliberation and resolution by 11 commissioners appointed through nomination by the President of Korea, the National Assembly and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Nevertheless, it is not desirable that the independence of the NHRCK is threatened with one-sided, coercive attacks by outside parties. Also, it is not desirable for such parties to compel the NHRCK to make a hurried decision on an extremely challenging social issue and exert pressure because their demands have not been accepted as they insisted. The independance of the NHRCK should include not only independence from the government but also from all outside forces in order to make judicious decisions on human rights issues.
The NHRCK is well aware that our duty is to dedicate ourselves to promote people's human rights under the spirit and values outlined in the Constitution, the principles of freedom and human rights protection and international standards of human rights.
As the chairperson of the NHRCK, I will faithfully perform responsibilities assigned to me at all times and exert my best efforts to enhance the stature and role of the NHRCK while continuously building trust as a national agency serving the people.
In addition, I hereby affirm that I will continue to initiate progressive activities of NHRCK without staggering only on a basis of the basic standard of human rights.
Last but not least, I will accept stern reprimand and admonishment as well as support and encouragement shown recently toward the NHRCK as a foundation for its further advancement.
I once again ask for your unwavering support and consideration. Thank you.
November 16, 2010
HYUN Byung-Chul
Chairperson of the NHRCK
