Appeal for truth and solutions for a family member of victims on a hunger strike
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea(Chairperson, Hyun Byung-chul) would like to announce its position regarding the enactment of special Sewol Bill for fact-finding and prevention of recurrence of the accident.
The tragic Sewol ferry accident, which occurred on April 16, was considered calling for fundamental changes of our society. People expected that through such changes the Korean society will transform itself into a completely different one. As such, the tragic accident has shocked us, and strongly called for changes.
Accordingly, an enactment of a special bill which includes establishment of a fact-finding committee for truth and prevention of recurrence is where such changes would begin. However, despite the demand of the time, the bill is still pending at the National Assembly, as the ruling and opposition party failed to reach an agreement.
Hence, the NHRCK would like to emphasize that it is time for every single member of our society to respond and act in order to come up with measures for fact-finding and prevention of recurrence including an enactment of a special bill. In particular, in relation to a special bill, politicians should gather their wisdom together to find ways that can guarantee life and safety of the people.
The NHRCK will remember the sorrow of the families of the victims, and continue to make efforts to promote and protect people's fundamental rights to remain safe.
