Chairperson's Foreword
Human rights are the minimum standard that should be abided by to realize a world
where people can live as they deserve. Therefore, human rights is an issue of 'my
rights', an issue of 'my neighbors' rights' and an issue of 'our rights'. First of all, human
rights aims to promote and protect the dignity and worth as human beings, and thus it
is a 'my rights' issue. Moreover, human rights are the rights and obligations formed by
relationships between the state and individuals, relationships between non-state actors
and individuals, and relationships among individuals. Accordingly, human rights can
be regarded as an 'our rights' issue.
The Republic of Korea is internationally recognized as a country that has achieved
both democratization and the respect for human rights within a relatively short period.
In the 21st century, any country in the world may not be able to advance forward
without the respect for human rights.
Ultimately, we should all strive to become experts on human rights, taking an active
interest in human rights issues 'of mine' and 'of our neighbors'. Furthermore, the state,
business corporations and individuals all have to respect and ensure the dignity and
value of all human beings. The rights of the socially vulnerable groups and minorities
are often easily ignored, or people deliberately ignore the pain of those being
discriminated against. However, the socially vulnerable groups and minorities are not
fixed groups, rather anyone of us can potentially become the underprivileged or
minorities in social relationships.
In the year 2010, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK)
continued its endeavors to fulfill its mission as an independent national institution