The National Human Rights Commission of Korea was notified A status from the GANHRI on May 24, 2016.
The result came after three times of deferral of re-accreditation since March, 2014, and it showed the SCA acknowledged efforts of the NHRCK to implement SCA recommendations.
The SCA highly evaluated amendment to the Commission Act, establishment of internal regulation on selection process of human rights commissioners and consultation with selection/appointment institutions for broader participation. It encouraged the NHRCK to require announcement of vacancy for human rights commissioner and to ensure unified selection process by establishing a single and independent selection committee.
The SCA commended efforts of the NHRCK to make amendment to the Commission Act which establishes provision on immunity for and qualification of human rights commissioner, enables recommendation from civil society and guarantees transparent selection process and diverse composition.
The NHRCK has formulated amendment to the Commission Act to implement the SCA recommendations and after the inauguration of the new chairperson in August 2015, it proposed the amendment draft through active consultation with related departments.
Chairperson Lee Sung-ho himself made diverse efforts for passage of the amendment including meeting with and persuading Speaker of the National Assembly and floor leaders of the ruling and opposition parties to explain the importance of and need for amendment. Such efforts lead to passage of the amendment to the Commission Act on January 8, 2016 to promulgated on February 3, 2016.
The NHRCK also created a new team exclusive in charge of communication and cooperation with civil society in October, 2015, and carried out diverse activities including investigations, policy recommendations, human rights education and chairperson’s statement on various social issues.
In addition, in March, 2016, the NHRCK was selected to chair the Working Group on Ageing of the GANHRI to lead international efforts for protection and promotion of human rights of older persons.
The SCA of the GANHRI deliberates on conformity of NHRIs to the Paris Principles regarding their roles, functions, and compositions every five year.
A status from the SCA reflects activities and efforts of the NHRCK, and the NHRCK will continue to devote its best efforts as an independent national institution for promotion and protection of human rights to listen to voices of diverse socials stratum and enhance human rights of every individual.
