Age Limit for the Position of Chief of Tong (Street) Is Discriminatory
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) viewed that it is unreasonable to put age limit for the position of chief of Tong (street), a representative of a district unit. Thus, the Commission recommended ‘A’ Gu (District) Office and ‘A’ District Council revise their relevant regulations.
Mr. ‘A’ filed a complaint to the NHRCK, claiming that it is age discrimination to deter older people from applying for the position of chief of Tong, even though they are capable of performing the duties.
‘A’ Gu(District) maintained that the chief of Tong not only visits households regularly, but also performs as a chief of the civil defense in a state of war, and the Act regarding the civil defense stipulates that the elderly over 65 are not eligible for a chief.
However, the NHRCK viewed that there are no justifiable grounds to believe that only those under 65 can carry out the tasks as a chief of Tong. The Commission decided that it would be more reasonable to set up specific qualifications and appoint a chief according to standards, as individuals in the same age differ in their physical functions due to various factors. The NHRCK also viewed that it would be feasible to do so, because ‘A’ Gu already adopts alternative options of appointment procedures such as deliberations and recommendations.
Therefore, the NHRCK recommended the revision of the relevant regulations based on its decision that it is groundless age discrimination.
