The revised National Human Rights Commission Act, which reflected recommendations from the Sub-Committee on Accreditation(SCA) of the International Coordinating Committee was promulgated and went into effect on February 3, 2016.
In reflection of the ICC recommendations, the revised National Human Rights Commission Act includes provisions on definition of civil society organizations, qualification of human rights commissioners and detailed process for selection and appointment of human rights commissioners. In addition, it states that gender balance has to be considered when appointing human rights commissioners and they should not bear liabilities for remarks made during conducting official duties and independence of the Commission should be considered when devising rules regarding organization of the Commission.
Accordingly, future selection and appointment of human rights commissioners will go through diverse process including selection committee reflecting the revised Commission Act. Currently, two positions, one for Standing Commissioner a one for non-Standing Commissioner, are vacant, and the Commission advertised the vacancy and notified civil society. In addition, it delivered opinions received regarding incoming human rights commissioners.
The Saenuri Party is carrying out a process to select human rights commissioner pursuant to the revised Commission Act, and it posted a open call for candidates for human rights commissioners on its website. The Commission hopes that the selection process reflects the purpose of the amendment to the Commission Act and to reflect diverse social representations in regards to promotion and protection of human rights.
