16
Introduction
3
Chapter
Basic Directions and Major Achievements in 2017
1. Basic Directions
In an effort to raise the status of the Commission and to encourage public support and
confidence in it, the Commission focused on the 5th NHRCK Action Plan for the Promotion and
Protection of Human Rights (2018-2020) based on the successful completion and outcome of the
4th action plan (2015-2017). It also worked on a timely and effective achievement of the human
rights agenda, increased role as a quasi-international organization, continuous cooperation at
home and abroad, and capacity-building for preventive action to protect human rights.
2. Major Achievements
A. Four Strategic Objectives
1) Laying the foundation for human rights promotion
Increasing guarantee of the right to freedom
The Commission made recommendations with regards to restrictions placed on movements
of and participation in large-scale rallies, the unjustified disposition and employment of
conscripted policemen to provide security in rallies and demonstrations, and excessive use of
law enforcement equipment by the prosecution and the police during investigations. It also
recommended the prosecution and the courts a change in the practice of detaining suspects in
jail prior to their imprisonment, and this resulted in a revision of the relevant statutes.
The Commission addressed human rights issues and incidents on the scene with shorter
response time. It conducted an ex officio investigation of an assault on a resident at a university
hospital and of an overcrowded detention facility. It also applied for emergency relief for a
foreigner who faced forceful evacuation.
In view of building public consensus on current human rights issues, the Commission
organized an international conference on rallies and demonstrations, and held an international