(Unofficial Translation)

Fellow Koreans, 

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea is celebrating its 20th anniversary. It’s now taken for granted that we have an independent human rights committee in the country, but, actually, this precious fruit was born from President Kim Dae-jung’s determination in combination with the fierce struggles of many human rights groups and activists. As one of those who joined efforts to establish the NHRCK back then, I am filled with deep emotions.

Experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how closely our lives are intertwined with those of others. We have come to understand once more the fact that our neighbors’ safety leads to our own. The same is true for human rights. Only when other people’s human rights are guaranteed can our own human rights be assured. 

When the NHRCK was founded 20 years ago, political freedom in Korea had been significantly extended thanks to the peaceful change of administration, but there was still a long way to go before our country could be called a human rights nation. In particular, there were even more shortcomings in the guarantee of social and economic human rights. We came to realize that democracy for individual lives would come only when there was democracy for all. It was not until democracy permeated through everyday life that we began to consider the socially and economically vulnerable.

The NHRCK started with the commitment that democracy could be completed only when every single individual would enjoy freedom and equality in practical terms with no one excluded. Over the past 20 years, the Commission has carried out considerable work at the forefront of efforts to establish respect for human rights while advocating for the rights of minorities. As defined in Article 1 of the National Human Rights Commission Act, it has fulfilled its mission to embody human dignity and worth as well as establish the basic order of democracy.

Marking the 20th anniversary of its founding today, I am deeply grateful for the hard work of those who have chaired the Commission – from the inaugural chair Kim Chang-guk to its 9th Chairperson Song Doo-hwan – as well as all of the commissioners and relevant officials. My gratitude also goes to our people who have supported and given encouragement to the NHRCK every step of the way.

Fellow Koreans, 

On November 26, 2001, the NHRCK received its first petition. It concerned someone who had been denied appointment to the directorship of a community health center due to a physical disability. Even though the petitioner’s wish could not be granted as a new director had already been named, the human rights of that individual were defended after the NHRCK recommended redress for the unreasonable discrimination. Upon this ruling, the local government that had acted unjustly paid damages. Moving further, the NHRCK dedicated itself to institutional improvements for the human rights of people with disabilities. In 2007, the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities was enacted – truly invaluable fruit from the NHRCK’s endeavors.

The NHRCK’s unceasing, long-term approach has consistently brought about significant changes. Its actions in themselves have been a part of the Republic of Korea’s process of developing democracy and human rights. The NHRCK engineered the abolition of the controversial protective custody system that allowed double punishment as well as disciplinary confinement in the military without the due process of arrest warrants or trials. As recommended by the NHRCK, special acts were enacted to restore honor to and compensate the victims of human rights abuses – those detained in the Samcheong Re-education Camp and those held in quarantine due to exposure to Hansen’s disease. NHRCK efforts served as a catalyst for eradicating corporal punishment in schools. They also prevented age-related discrimination when it comes to recruitment and promotion. The perception that workplace harassment is a serious human rights issue has taken root.

The head of the Domestic Workers’ Association received the Human Rights Award of Korea today, and, for its part, the NHRCK has made great efforts to ensure that these workers are protected under the Labor Standards Act. The Commission recommended that the rights of elderly dementia patients and the national basic living security system should be strengthened, and this led to the birth of a government-backed program for taking care of dementia patients and the abolition of the family support obligations tied to receiving living allowances.

The NHRCK has broadened the horizons of human rights by questioning practices that have been taken for granted. This is a special achievement. It pointed out that the casual use of the term “skin color” could be considered racism and ended the practice of listing all the male students first on classroom attendance sheets. These are valuable examples of how we have come to realize that everyone’s human rights can be expanded only when the thoughts of each and every individual change.

Fellow Koreans,

The journey toward a society that respects human rights is endless. This is because the concept of human rights is constantly expanding as society advances. Individual freedom and rights are increasingly clashing with each other. The world is agonizing over how to solve the problems of discrimination, exclusion and hate. Widening disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and the digital transition are also emerging as urgent pending issues tied to human rights.

The NHRCK’s existence and role will inevitably become even more important going forward. I ask the Commission to make special efforts to encourage dialogue, compromise and empathy and harmoniously promote everyone’s human rights. Sometimes, it is the job of the NHRCK to criticize government policies and ask for alternative plans.

The Government will thoroughly guarantee the independent activities of the NHRCK. We will do everything we can to increase support for the vulnerable, strengthen the social safety net and enhance the people’s basic rights.

We should pool our capabilities when creating new human rights standards in line with the changing times. Twenty years ago, we could not make a framework act on human rights or the prohibition of discrimination but were only able to include human rights standards within the National Human Rights Commission Act of Korea that codifies the organization. This is a task that must be overcome in order for us to become an advanced country in terms of human rights.

Fellow Koreans,

Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. However, freedom and equality, and dignity and rights are not always steadfast. The freedom and equality we enjoy today are precious achievements made through the sacrifice and dedication of numerous people, and our dignity and rights can be taken away the moment we neglect them.

Myeongdong Cathedral, where we are gathered together now, is a place where we cried out for the restoration of freedom and human rights against dictatorship. It is the place where human rights activists combined their will for the establishment of the NHRCK and where they raised the voice of resistance at a time when its independence was threatened.

Broadly protecting the human rights of all is the way to ensure one’s own human rights. We must always keep our eyes open for human rights. We must stay alert to ensure freedom and equality, and dignity and rights.

Today, while honoring the noble spirit of those who have led the advancement of democracy and human rights, I pledge to move forward more vigorously toward a society that respects human rights. I believe that the people will stand together. 

Thank you.