4. Children and Adolescents A. Human Rights Status 2022 Childhood and adolescence281) are the early stages of physical and emotional development, and livelihood during this time is important not only in the present but also in the future. In the same context, the human rights of children and adolescents are seen from a slightly different perspective than adults. This is because the task of future-oriented growth and development is important along with the current status. In the discussion of children's human rights, the two goals of protection and guarantee of autonomy can conflict. However, Article 25(2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “motherhood and childhood are entitled to special are and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.” Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children are not ‘owned by their parents,’ but are already respected and dignified beings that make up the Korean society, and children and adults are both equal parties and are defined as owner of all rights. Thus far, in Korea, children and adolescents have been regarded as objects to be “guided” by parents or adults, rather than being recognized as independent personalities. The human rights of children and adolescents, who have difficulty voicing their opinions, are often violated by parents, schools, and society. Recently, the NHRCK has made recommendations and expressed opinions regarding the so-called ‘No Kids Zone’ and the use of newly coined expression ‘~Lini’(meaning novice)282) centered on the Internet and broadcasting to prevent the rights of children and adolescents from being violated. These cases are examples that reveal that discrimination against children and adolescents are being carried out without much awareness in Korean society, and that their rights are not properly respected. 281) The distinction between target age groups for children and adolescents is ambiguous. In general, childhood usually corresponds to the elementary school period and refers to the stage before the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics until the age of 12. Adolescence refers to the period between the ages of 13 and 20, which is the age of middle and high school students, when social independence is not yet achieved and a sense of identity is formed. 282) The NHRCK decided in Mar. 2022 that the use of the expression “~lini” in various fields is based on the recognition that children are immature and incomplete beings, not independent individuals who deserve special protection and respect. As a result, it can promote negative stereotypes about children, and expressed the opinion that it is necessary to prepare measures to prevent such expressions from being used indiscriminately. (Decided on Mar. 29, 2022, 21JinJeong0367800) 119