National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2019
Ex officio investigation of response and protection system for victims of violence and
sexual violence in sports
The Commission attributed the cover-up or continued violence and sexual violence in sports to
limitations in the current system for counseling, investigation, and remedies. It conducted an ex
officio investigation of general practices and institutional arrangements in the world of sports, and
reviewed what human rights protection system would be necessary to address the issue.
The investigation looked at state agencies such as the Ministry of Ministry of Culture, Sports,
as well as offices of education at the municipal and provincial level, local governments, the
Part 2
and Tourism and the Ministry of Education, which have oversight of sports-related policies,
Korean Sports & Olympic Committee, Korea Paralympic Committee, other sports organizations
showed that the chronic recurrence of violence and sexual violence in sports is not just a matter of
individual deviation, but more of a structural and operational problem in the safeguard mechanism
not working properly.
Based on a conclusion that the current system does not guarantee proper remedies for victims
of violence and sexual violence in sports, and has limitations in protecting victims and preventing
offenses, the Commission on December 23 recommended the President, relevant ministries and
sports organizations to improve the safeguard system in sports, ensure that cases of violence
and sexual violence be investigated separately from other cases, and the system and institutional
arrangements for protecting victims be improved.
Actions to change public perceptions in the world of sports and the general public
The Commission was present at key sporting events to promote the reporting and counseling
channels it offers to help victims find remedies. It also launched a campaign for declaration of
human rights in sports to change public perceptions.
Notably, it announced December 13 as the Day of the Declaration of Human Rights in Sports
and appointed Ryu Hyun-jin (professional Korean baseball player in the American Major League
Baseball) as ambassador for human rights in sports. The declaration was joined by Kim Yuna,
Lee Seung-yuop, Lee Dong-gook, and other sports celebrities. Attended by 3,000 or so athletes,
coaches, families, and citizens, the event urged a change in public perceptions of human rights in
sports.
61
Key Activities
responsible for the management of sports clubs, as well as athletes and sports leaders. The findings