Introduction 5) Raising awareness on the rights of children and young people, and supporting legal and institutional improvements In 2021, children experienced learning gaps and learning losses due to contactless schooling relationships with friends, and emotional competencies, limiting overall child development. In light of these challenges, the Commission selected the theme of ‘Achievement of Children’s Right to Education as a Basic Human Rights’ as part of its children rights initiative for the year. By working with children, guardians, and teachers to monitor policies, looking at what’s happening Part 1 Introduction under COVID-19. Moreover, school closures affected children’s day-to-day activities, health, in schools, and how the stakeholders are doing, it explored ways for every child to enjoy an equal, non-discriminatory right to education, rather than being too focused on the learning aspect of the right to education. the Convention on the Rights of the Child and to promote the rights of children and youths. In response to its recommendations that the juvenile justice system should be aligned with international human rights standards, youth’s political rights be promoted, child abuse be prevented and their victims protected, the Ministry of Health and Welfare established case management guidelines for guardianship staff and developed a system for regular monitoring. Part 2 Key NHRCK Activities The Commission also examined related laws and institutions to ensure implementation of The Commission also strengthened the relief mechanism for children’s rights, including a age children when making emergency COVID-19 payments and a recommendation regarding discrimination targeting foreign nationality children to go through screened treatment. 6) Response to International Covenants and International Cooperation Strengthening enforcement of international human rights standards and cooperating with international human rights institutions The Commission monitored the government’s progress in implementing the opinion on the Fifth Periodic Report to the UN Human Rights Committee and its response to the Third Universal Periodic Review recommendations, and prepared for future reviews. It also held seminars to discuss key issues pertaining to Korea’s joining the Optional Protocol to the United Nations 19 Part 3 Appendices recommendation regarding violation of the right to equality of foreign nationality preschool-