National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea Section 4. Special Task and Featured Projects 1. Special Task: Reinforcing Activities to Promote North Korean Human Rights A. Overview The objectives of promoting the human rights of North Korea are to i) conduct objective and specialized research and investigation into the human rights conditions in North Korea, ii) systematically collect and manage data and information related to North Korean human rights, iii) vigorously pursue cooperation with international organizations and experts related to North Korean human rights, iv) hold policy consultations with government agencies on a regular basis, v) understand the current status of human rights conditions in North Korea by strengthening the monitoring activities of domestic and international organizations and groups working in the field of North Korean human rights, and vi) develop measures to improve and promote human rights in North Korea. To that end, the NHRCK has conducted policy activities including reviewing government policies related to the promotion of human rights in North Korea and presenting relevant recommendations or opinions. The Commission also has concentrated its efforts on strengthening the exchange and cooperation with international human rights bodies and NGOs at home and abroad. In addition, it has conducted surveys and policy researches on various issues such as the latest human rights status in North Korea, human rights conditions of North Korean defectors overseas, human rights issues of South Korean prisoners of war, abductees detained in North Korea, families separated in the two Koreas, and ways to promote the human rights of North Korean defectors. Chapter 1. Improvement of Laws, Regulations, Institutions, Policies and Practices ▪▪▪ 65