승인소위원회 보고서(2025. 10.)
Report of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation
채택일 2025. 10. 30.
3.2 Korea: National Human Rights Commission (NHRCK)
Recommendation: Following the Special Review initiated in accordance with Article 16.2 of the GANHRI Statute, the SCA recommends that the accreditation of the NHRCK be maintained as A status. The SCA reminds the NHRCK that A status NHRIs are required to take steps to ensure that, in law and practice, it is effective and independent in line with the Paris Principles.
In its 45th session of March 2025, the SCA decided to undertake a special review of the NHRCK based on information received from various third parties, including civil society organizations and former commissioners, as well as the response of the NHRCK.
The third parties alleged that the NHRCK targeted human rights defenders by filing lawsuits against complainants and harassing staff, failed to protect marginalized groups like LGBTQI+ individuals, workers, and victims of the Itaewon tragedy, failed to respond to the declaration of martial law in a timely and independent manner, and that its operations were impacted due to disputes among Commissioners.
In response, the NHRCK indicated that it is attempting to work closely with a wide range of civil society organizations and that some of the allegations were based on inaccurate facts.
The NHRCK also reported that it issued a statement in response to the martial law and conducted monitoring and investigations into human rights violations connected to the state of emergency.
During the 46th session in October 2025, the SCA received additional third-party submissions, responses from the NHRCK to these submissions, and conducted an interview with the NHRCK in which it was asked to provide responses including in relation to the following issues:
Pluralism and independence of the commissioners
Position on the Anti-Discrimination Law
Addressing human rights violations and lawsuits against human rights defenders
Disputes among commissioners and retaliation against staff
Cooperation with civil society
In response to these questions, the NHRCK provided information on a range of actions it has undertaken or are being implemented to address the concerns raised.
For example, with regard to staffing and the internal functioning of the NHRCK, the Commission noted that, amongst other things, a revised code of conduct had been developed, and that the formation of an internal committee, and the development of guidelines on workplace abuse were underway.
With regard to relationships with CSOs, the NHRCK noted with concern the instigation of lawsuits by a commissioner against human rights defenders and explained the action taken in response to this issue, as well as the manner in which it was seeking to improve CSO relationships more generally.
The NHRCK also outlined measures it was implementing to address both conflicts between Commissioners, and the effect this has on Commission work.
In light of all the information before it and the responses provided by the NHRCK in writing and during the interview, the SCA considers that no further review of the institution is required at this time.
However, the NHRCK is expected to continue to conduct its mandate in an efficient and timely manner, addressing systemic human rights violations, including addressing rights of LGBTQI+ people, freedom of expression, discrimination, migrants and refugees’ rights, and religious rights, among others – in a manner that is consistent with and promotes international human rights standards.
With regard to the recent constitutional crisis and the impeachment of the President, the SCA reminds NHRCK that an NHRI should conduct itself with a heightened level of vigilance and independence and continue to promote and ensure respect for human rights, democratic principles and rule of law (including by making timely public statements) at times of national emergency.
The NHRCK is further expected to continue taking steps to improve safeguards for staff and to resolve the prevailing disputes among commissioners and staff in a way that strengthens its credibility and ability to carry out its mandate.
The NHRCK should also continue to advocate for a uniform selection process for all commissioners and expeditious filling of the current vacancy. The SCA notes the NHRCK’s stated intention to restore trust with civil society and encourages it to seek support from its regional network and OHCHR on best practice for this.
참고 정보 링크 서비스
| • 일반 논평 / 권고 / 견해 |
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| • 개인 통보 |
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| • 최종 견해 |
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