The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) decided to conduct an investigation on its own motion into a facility for hearing impaired people located in Mokpo, Southwestern Korea, based on its judgment that the rights of the people in custody are severely infringed and the issue is deemed critical.
In September 2010, a trainer working at the facility filed a complaint to the NHRCK, stating that an investigation is necessary as the rights of the inmates are severely violated.
After the basic investigation and on-site investigation into the facility, the NHRCK found out that acts of violence had been frequently happening against the people in custody in the organization; three cases have been discovered during one year. The Commission viewed that the acts of violence could be hidden or condoned by the facility, since a majority (47 out of 55) of the inmates was mentally retarded who had difficulties in clearly expressing themselves, or challenged with limited expression.
Therefore, the NHRCK decided to carry on an investigation on its own initiative as it is deemed that the human rights are seriously violated and further investigation is necessary. In addition, NHRCK’s investigation will cover the responsibilities of Mokpo city, in terms of management and supervision of the facility.
