Foreword from the Chairperson
The Commission will faithfully carry out its
mission of fostering a society that places the
utmost value on “people” and where every person
is equally respected
The year 2017 was marked by dynamic events more than any other time in Korean
history. It saw the impeachment and arrest of an incumbent President, followed by a
presidential election that took place earlier than planned, all of which would not have
occurred were it not for the candlelight vigil staged by the people.
The process leading up to these major historical events was the result of what is now
dubbed “a successful, nonviolent people’s revolution,” unprecedented in history. What
the people aspired to achieve and uphold were the values of democracy and human
rights. This is why the new administration set out to put “people” at the heart of state
affairs. With the vision of realizing “a world where everyone lives the fullness of
humanity,” the Commission is now in the center of change and reform for a new era.
In May, immediately following the inauguration of the new administration, the
Commission presented the Top Ten Human Rights Tasks for the government, which
includes strengthening human rights guarantee in the face of low birth rate and ageing
society, achieving social integration by tackling polarization issues, and improving
the quality of life. A significant portion of the Commission’s proposed tasks were
accommodated by the government in its policy plan. Also, during a special brief to
the President in December, the Commission underscored the need for legislative
efforts towards a new system to guarantee human rights, including amending the
Constitution to incorporate enhanced basic rights, and enacting the Framework Act on