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adults may have been more affected by inhaling the disinfectant, but it is difficult to receive
remedies since the victims of humidifier disinfectant have to prove that they have used the
humidifier disinfectant in concern and developed disease after using it.
42. In 2015, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Hazardous Substances and
Wastes visited Korea and raised the issue of humidifier disinfectant in connection with the
child rights. Since then, the government started to verify the safety of daily chemical supplies
and published the Measures on Safety Control on Daily Chemical Supplies, and make
diverse efforts. In addition, A Special Act on Remedy for Damages by Humidifier Disinfectant
was enacted by the 20th National Assembly. Still, victims have not been provided with
adequate remedies. The number of victims including the lung fibrosis and death confirmed
after the fourth investigation of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had
reached 6,040 (including 1,335 deaths).
2) Questions
43. How does the government carry out its policy related to controlling the air quality in
facilities where children reside?
44. Please provide information on the effectiveness of the current technology in removing
asbestos and explain if there is a measure to guarantee no residue left after the removal of
asbestos to protect children from harmful environment.
45. What is the government’s policy to guarantee the safe commute of children to daycare
centers or kindergartens?
46. Please provide information on current status of child victims of humidifier disinfectant
and remedy or support provided to them.
4. Respect for the Views of the Child
Issue 17. Respect for the Views of the Child in School
1) Current status
47. According to the 2016 Current Status of Guaranteeing Students’ Rights in School by
the NHRCK, 29.4% of 2,616 middle school students answered that their schools had not
asked for students’ opinion on enactment or amendment of school regulations. For the same
question, 39.1% of 3,484 high school students answered the same. In 2017, the NHRCK
recommended to the Minister of Education to allow participation of the students in the School
Governance Committee, the highest decision making body of the school. The existing