The National Human Rights Commission of Korea(Chairperson, Hyun Byung-chul) announce the following statement, lamenting the first anniversary of the Sewol Ferry Tragedy and calling for the State to fulfill its commitment for protection of its people's life and safety.
One year has passed since the Sewol ferry tragedy which have shocked and saddened the entire nation. Since then, the government stated that it will identify who is responsible for the tragedy and legislate laws to make Korea safe. The National Assembly also proposed various legislations regarding safety. However, for the last one year, there have been big and small safety accidents including the fire at Jangseong Care Hospital, Collapse of ventilation hole at Pangyo, and chain-reaction collision at Yeongjong Grand Bridge. As such, Korea has not become a safe place yet, and the public still feel unsafe.
The Constitution prescribes that the State has a responsibility to protect fundamental freedom of its people including their rights to dignity and life, and protect them from dangers. With development of society, living environment has become complicated, increasing risks of various disasters and safety accidents. These days, society calls for the State to play active role to guarantee people’s rights to life and safety. Accordingly, measures or bills by the government and National Assembly have to be thoroughly reviewed so as to practically protect people’s life and safety.
The NHRCK announce a statement calling for measures for fact-finding and prevention of recurrence of the Sewol ferry tragedy in August last year. However, the Special Fact-finding Committee has not yet begun to start investigation, and many people including families of victims are calling for truth behind the tragedy. All these shows that despite efforts of the government and National Assembly, a comprehensive measure to overcome the Sewol ferry accident does not exist.
The NHRCK wishes the Sewol Special Committee to initiate its work immediately and calls for the government and National Assembly to fulfill their duties to protect life and safety of people by managing relevant legislations and institutions.
The NHRCK would like to express worlds of sincere condolences to families of deceased, victims and all the public who have endeavored to overcome the tragedy. We believe that remembering the tragedy and commemorating the deceased will help us heal the wound and to establish a safe environment where no more innocent life is being sacrificed.
The NHRCK will continue to pay attention to efforts of the government for fact-finding and prevention of recurrence of the Sewol ferry tragedy and step up its efforts for promotion and protection of people's rights to life and safety, fundamental human rights.
