The NHRCK’s suo moto investigation into the Orphanage J, located in the Chungbuk Province confirmed serious human rights violations including abuses, confinement, cruel treatment etc. against some children. Based on the investigation, the Commission accused the General of the orphanage and one teacher to the Prosecutor General of violating the human rights of children and made recommendations that the leader of the local government in charge take necessary administrative steps including personnel reshuffle to address the problem.
Professional · comprehensive investigation
The NHRCK embarked on its investigation on September 2012. The investigators interviewed 52 children who are or were in the orphanage, 22 teachers and staff, and 8 children’s rights experts for reference and thoroughly went over materials related to the human rights conditions of the orphanage.
Chronic Corporal Punishment and Cruel Treatment
The investigation proved that corporal punishment and abusive treatment had long been inflicted on children in the orphanage. Some teachers hit children with wood, plastic, or broom sticks as instructed by the Director or forced children to walk long distances as a punishment. Some teachers even hit children in the face, leaving scars. Other punishments used by the teachers include forcing children to eat garlic or hot peppers and to walk long distances.
“Time-out Room”, Effective Confinement
The orphanage had what they call a “time-out room” where some children were forced to stay alone as a disciplinary action. According to the investigators, the time-out room was remote from the other parts of the building, inside which there were a broken oven, shelf, destroyed shelves and other things that had nothing to do with discipline. Some children had to stay in the room for hours, but others were confined in the room for as long as several months. The children were even locked out of the room, so they were not able to go to the bathroom. Some children who had held in the room were so frightened that they even thought about killing themselves at one point.
There were no manual for operation of the time-out room and no official records of it at all. The local government responsible for supervising the orphanage had never inspected the room.
Other human rights abuses occurred at the orphanages
- There were rules that ban children from arguing with teachers.
- Children’s freedom was restricted when it comes to clothing, going out or watching TV.
- Children had to wash in cold water in the winter.
- Children who did not return in time for meals were deprived of food.
- Children’s allowance changed depending on how they behave, sometimes making if difficult for them to afford daily necessities.
- Children were forced to go to charge and to tithe.
- Children had no say in when they want to receive state financial support.
- Children were not fully explained about how much money is in their bank account.
- Children with disabilities were not given necessary support.
A Student Council was set up in August 2009, but there had been only three student council meetings. What’s worse, the students’ opinions collected at these meeting were never respected or reflected by the teachers.
Conclusion
The NHRCK concluded that the Director of the orphanage ordered or neglected corporal punishment and other abusive treatment against children and the local government in charge failed to do its job as a supervisor and manager of the orphanage. As for the Child Protection Agency C, the Commission judged it lacked objectivity and fairness in monitoring and directing the Orphanage J, and therefore it needs to have a better understanding of children’s’ rights in general.
