National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2022
B. Strengthening Domestic Implementation of International Human
Rights Standards
1) Enactment of Laws and Institutionalization for Equality and Non-Discrimination,
and Addressing Hate Speech
Advancing the Legislative Proposal for the Equality Act
In 2022, the Commission conducted a perception survey on gender equality, and actively
raised awareness about the necessity of an Equality Act. This included release of a Chairperson’s
statement urging the prompt enactment of the law, meetings with civic and religious
organizations, interviews with the media, and creation and dissemination of promotional
materials on the law. The Commission also discussed ways to support the enactment of the
Equality Act with foreign embassies and international organizations in Korea and obtained
a statement of support for the Equality Bill from the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees.
In addition, the Commission remained committed to the legislation by supporting public
hearings on the four bills pending in the National Assembly, holding meetings with members of
the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, attending the Legislation and Judiciary Committee’s
Subcommittee on Bill Review, and explaining key issues related to the Equality Bill.
The Commission also made efforts to promote public awareness and support for the
enactment of the Equality Act by producing a special report, a special report about the Act
on Prevention of Human Trafficking and Protection of Victim through Korean Broadcasting
System (“KBS”) and a series of news reports on undocumented migrant children through
Seoul Broadcasting System (“SBS”). In addition, the Commission collaborated with various
broadcasting media outlets to produce special reports on the occasion of the International Day
against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
Addressing the Spread of Hate Speech and Discrimination
The Commission held capacity-building training sessions for instructors and workshops to
promote respect for human rights among youths, shape a culture of equity, and promote the
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