Owing to social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of petitions filed in 2020 went down but the number of petitions processed and the rate of remedied cases went up thanks to aggressive processing efforts. For key human rights issues, the Commission conducted ex officio investigations, emergency reliefs, and other timely actions on the ground. The Commission remained actively involved in protecting human rights on multiple fronts. In support of vulnerable groups of people, it carried out factual surveys on human rights violations against handicapped persons, made an on-site inspection of the cohort quarantine measures taken at a mental psychiatric hospital, and launched an ex officio investigation regarding the death of an abused child. It also made a recommendation regarding local governments' exclusion of foreigners from emergency relief payments, and issued a statement to protect the basic rights of older persons. The Commission was active on the international front. It hosted the 2020 International Conference on Combatting Hate and Discrimination jointly with the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) and the European Union, and was elected the chair of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) Working Group on Ageing and the deputy chair of APF. As the year 2020 marked the completion of the fifth phase of the Human Rights Promotion Action Plan (2018-2020), the Commission focused its efforts on programs to reinforce social rights and life of dignity, realize social equality by countering discrimination, build sustainable human rights governance, and expand diversified initiatives. In consultation with human rights and civil society groups, it also finalized the Actions and Strategy to Promote Human Rights (2021-2025). The Commission’s work is, by itself, an indicator for gauging the human rights situation at home and abroad, and a compass for the state's role in protecting the rights of its people. By faithfully capturing the progress made in 2020, this Annual Report is meant to be a meaningful record and a guiding light for furthering human rights and realizing a society where human rights are respected. The Commission marks its 20th anniversary this year. Despite putting in its best efforts as an independent human rights advocacy organization, there still remain blind spots gaps in human rights protection across the society, and there are pending human rights issues that require much thinking a long-term approach going forward. Amid a dynamically changing human rights environment, the Commission will remain committed to faithfully safeguarding the dignity, equality, and freedom of all by looking back on past achievements and acting upon lessons learned. Thank you. Choi Young-ae Chairperson of NHRCK