3. Key Functions As a national institution dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights, our four key functions are policy-making, investigations and remedies, education and promotion, and cooperation at home and abroad. Human Rights Policy In view of protecting and promoting human rights, we may make recommendations and present opinions on matters that warrant the study, research, and improvement of human rightsrelated laws and regulations, systems, policies, and practices as well as on the joining and implementation of international human rights conventions. We may submit our substantive and legal opinions to the justice department of a court and the Constitutional Court regarding any trial deemed to have a significant impact on the protection and promotion of human rights and upon request by the relevant court and express our viewpoints concerning any case investigated and handled by the Commission. Investigations of and Remedies for Human Rights Violations and Discriminations We investigate cases of human rights violation and discrimination and seek remedial measures. First, we investigate and seek remedial measures for violations of human rights, which are guaranteed under Articles 10 through 22 of the Constitution, committed during the task performance (excluding legislation of the National Assembly and trials of courts and the Constitutional Court) of government institutions; local governments; schools established under Article 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Article 2 of the Higher Education Act, and other relevant statutes; public service-related organizations under Article 3-2 (1) of the Public Service Ethics Act; and detention and protection facilities. Second, we investigate and seek remedial measures for violations of the right to equality by corporate bodies, organizations, and private persons without justifiable reasons. The major 19 unjustifiable reasons for discrimination include gender, religion, age, social status, place of origin, country of origin, ethnicity, appearance and physical condition, marital status, pregnancy 06 Introduction