National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2019 victim could be characterized. However, it advised that measures be taken to prevent politicians from disparagingly making comparisons with persons with physical disabilities, and from using expressions or statements that risk violating human rights. G. ‌Opinion Regarding Prevention of and Response to Hate Speech by Politicians On November 25, the Commission expressed its opinion to the Chairman of the National measures are necessary to prevent and stop hate speech by politicians. Commission was concerned about the possible increase in use of hate speech for political purposes and concluded that it would be necessary to highlight this issue and find ways to counter them. Hate speech in politics can have a more direct influence on potential speakers and audience, and comes with great social implications. Politicians can act directly in realizing the values of diversity and human rights in a democracy, and they are directly involved in policy-making. As such, they have the obligation to prevent and respond to hate speech. The Commission expressed the following opinion: the Chairman of the National Assembly should make a public declaration of the commitment of the National Assembly to stop and prevent hate speech, and seek ways to regulate hate speech in the National Assembly Code of Ethics; the leaders of the political parties should declare their commitment to counter hate speech, seek ways to practice no hate speech during elections, include hate speech provisions in their respective code of official conduct, and educate party members on hate speech and discrimination; and the chairperson of the National Election Commission should make a statement to counter hate speech by politicians by developing preventative measures to stop hate speech by candidates running for election. 45 Key Activities Amid a rapid spread of hate speech in politics and related rise in the number of petitions, the Part 2 Assembly, political party leaders, and the chairperson of the National Election Commission that