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Commission's Major Activities
4. Major opinions submitted
A. Commission’s independent report regarding the review by the United
Nations of the ROK’s third, fourth and fifth periodic reports on the
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment
On 13 March, the Commission decided to submit an independent report on the United
Nations’ review of the ROK’s third, fourth and fifth period reports pertaining to the Convention
against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (hereafter
“Convention against Convention against Torture”).
The Commission’s report included information and opinion that would be useful in reviewing
the country’s third, fourth and fifth periodic reports, including the current human rights
conditions in Korea, NHRCK recommendations, and opinions.
The independent report covers 17 topics and 29 sub-topics, including the National Security
Act and measures to prevent abuse, protection of suspects’ rights by allowing attorneys to be
present during interrogations, prevention of domestic violence and sexual violence (including
digital sexual assault using hidden cameras and revenge porn), prohibition of deportation,
repatriation, and extradition to countries with torture risks, increased role of NHRCK as a
constitutional institution, prevention of violence, harsh act and other unjustified treatments
in the military, prevention of unjustifiable treatments in mental health institutes, protection of
immigrants’ rights, ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, and
conscientious objection and alternative civilian service system.
B. Opinion regarding litigation seeking revocation of the illegal union
notification
On 18 December, the Commission decided to submit an opinion regarding an on-going
litigation that seeks to revoke the illegal union notification to the Korean Teachers and Education
Workers Union (KTU) (Supreme Court 2016Du32992), as the case represents significant
implications for the right to organize guaranteed under the Constitution, including how far
teachers’ right to organize can be protected as they are both the principal agent of education and