National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2019 [Table 2-2-13] Mediation Cases Submitted and Processed in the Last Five Years (Unit : cases, %) Case closed Classification Decision in lieu of mediation Unmediated Objection ② Completed raised Submitted Subtotal (①+②+③) Mediated ① 164 164 72 29 (10) (6) 63 2019 9 9 1 1 - - 7 2018 22 26 7 3 (4) - 16 2017 36 43 19 4 (1) - 20 2016 38 30 18 4 (2) (1) 8 2015 3 2 1 - - - 1 Cumulative sum Rejected ③ Section 6. Assessment In 2019, the number of petitions processed was 9,136. This is the first time the number fell below the 10,000 mark since 2013. The number of remedied cases was also 561, which is a decrease of 570 over the previous year. The rate of remedied cases stood at 11.4%, which represents a decrease of 4.5% in the remedy rate, compared to the previous year, and an end to a five-year upward trend. The fall in the number and rate of remedied cases is notable, even considering the unusually high number of merged petitions in 2018, including the recommendation related to the tracking down of sexual minorities in the Army (244 petitions merged)’and the resolution during investigation of collective petitions on discrimination against persons with visual impairment (208 petitions merged). An analysis is needed on what caused the fall and plans should be made to realize effective remedies. Though there was an overall decrease in the numbers of petitions processed and remedies, the Commission put in a lot of effort to identify tasks that warrant improvement. Thanks to these efforts, recommendations were made and opinions expressed on improving policies and practices 117 Key Activities * The cumulative sum is the total from November 25, 2001 (the date of the establishment of the Commission), to December 31, 2019. Part 2 * The figures in parentheses under "Decision in lieu of mediation" are included in cases mediated or unmediated.