the human rights of emotional labour workers; and the introduction of a refugee application system and improved operation of departure waiting rooms at ports of entry and departure. The Commission’s conciliation efforts also resulted in 38 cases received and 18 conciliated in 2016 alone. This is a great achievement considering that there was only a total of 19 conciliation cases received in the last five years combined. This shows the Commission’s active work to offer prompt, custom-tailored relief in support of the victims. The Commission also stepped up its outreach effort by strengthening exchange and cooperation with relevant stakeholders and civil society organizations, and by working to expand the value of human rights across society through human rights education and professional training for individuals and groups from public and private spheres. The Commission also verified its strong partnership with the National Assembly, the judiciary, and the Constitutional Court through seminars, discussions, and the ceremony commemorating the 68th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This annual report outlines many of these efforts to the best extent possible. I hope that this document will serve as a valuable record of the reach of human rights throughout the Korean society. I sincerely thank you for your critical feedback as well as your continued interest in our Commission’s activities. I and all the other members of the Commission will do our best to foster a society where people’s dignity is honoured and where everyone is respected equally without discrimination. Lee Sung-ho Chairperson National Human Rights Commission of Korea