02 Chapter Commission's Major Activities Statutes, Institutions, Policies, and Practices Section 1. Overview Based on the NHRCK Act, the Commission makes recommendations and presents opinions to improve human rights-related statutes, institutions, policies, and practices; conducts surveys on human rights conditions; and makes recommendations and presents opinions regarding compliance with international human rights conventions. If deemed necessary, we can establish subcommittees and advisory bodies to perform our duties; consult with national institutions, local governments, and other public and private organizations; organize hearings; and present our opinions to courts and the Constitutional Court regarding trials that have significant implications on the protection and improvement of human rights. We are obligated to prepare an annual report to specify our activities and human rights conditions and improvement measures thereof for the preceding year to submit to the President and the National Assembly. In 2018, we focused on promoting basic rights and building an institutional foundation for the guarantee of human rights; protecting the human rights of social minorities and socially vulnerable groups; expanding activities to monitor and remedy human rights violations and discrimination; promoting awareness on the importance of respecting human rights; fostering a society committed to improving the reach of human rights; facilitating the implementation of international human rights standards in the country; enhancing cooperation with civil society; and improving the human rights conditions in North Korea. National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2018 39 Part 2 | Commission's Major Activities 1 Improvement of Human Rights-Related