Part 3 | Key Activities
The conference featured a plenary discussion on inclusive immigration policies for all, as
well as separate discussions focusing on five specific groups: migrant workers, migrant women,
migrant children, refugees, and undocumented migrants/aliens in protective custody. In addition,
there were seven thematic discussions, covering topics such as networking for the right to stay of
undocumented migrants, nationwide networking of migrant women’s organizations, education
rights and social integration in areas with high concentrations of foreigners, the importance of
communication as a basic right through the Interpretation System for Migrants, mental health
rights and trauma of migrants and refugees, efforts and prospects for improving multicultural
awareness through coexistence education, and the rights of sexual minority and HIV-infected
individuals in foreigner protection facilities and correctional facilities.
The conference brought together a total of 212 participants, including activists from
migrant organizations, professionals working in the field of immigration, members of
migrant communities, representatives from international organizations such as the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), scholars, and individual activists and researchers.
The event offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen solidarity among over 130 migrant
organizations and enhance the capacity of migrants and refugees. Through multi-faceted
discussions, participants examined the human rights situation of migrants and refugees in the
immigration policies and the formulation of the 4th Basic Plan for Foreigner Policy.
International Symposium on Immigration Detention System
On September 14, the Commission organized an international symposium to address the
reform of the immigration detention system. The symposium focused on various aspects,
including the potential implementation of a maximum detention period, and the establishment
of detention limits and alternative measures for vulnerable foreigners.
Under the Immigration Act, the term “protection” of foreigners refers to the act of
accommodating individuals who are subject to forced deportation, such as those who have
overstayed their permitted period of stay, in order to facilitate their departure from the country.
However, the international community perceives this practice as de facto “detention.”3)
3) In General Comment No. 35, the UN Human Rights Committee explicitly stated that the detention of migrants for the
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Part 3 | Key Activities
post-COVID-19 era and explored effective approaches that would guide the new government’s