Introduction B. Special Programs: Actively Responding to the Spread of Hate Speech The Commission chose “Actively Responding to the Spread of Hate Speech” as the special program of the 5th phase of the Human Rights Promotion Action Plan (2018-2020). The Task Force to Combat Hatred and Discrimination was launched in January, headed by the director of the Discrimination Remedy Bureau. To take a more systematic approach, it also organized the Special Committee to Respond to Hatred and Discrimination, which comprises 25 members from human rights organizations, civil society groups, religion, academia, and the legal profession for appropriate representation of expertise and experience. The Commission analyzed current problems and phenomena using a survey of individuals’ experience with hate crime, discrimination, and use of hate speech. Using the results of the survey, it developed three key strategies, which are 1) starting a public dialogue and raising awareness about hate speech, 2) promoting a response at all levels of government, and 3) establishing and promoting implementation of self-regulatory standards. The Commission published a Hate Speech Report to clarify the concept of hate speech, ensure better understanding of how hate and discrimination relate to each other, and present possible countermeasures and other key issues. It encouraged a public dialogue through campaigns, discussions, and meetings, as well as distribution of various educational, promotional contents. Efforts were also made to facilitate actions in the media and education, develop guidelines, and express opinion to prevent and respond to hate speech in politics and other public domain. C. Feature Program: Capacity-Building Monitoring recommendation implementation and improving petition processing To ensure effectiveness of recommendations, the Commission monitors how recommendations are being implemented on a semiannual basis. For recommendations that are not accepted, it announces in the media space why certain recommendations were made and why they were not accepted by the petitioned institutions. In 2019, ten cases were announced in the media, including the recommendation made to the Ministry of Health and Welfare regarding the use of bio sensors to manage overtime pay, and the one made to the Ministry of Justice for disciplinary actions to be taken on those responsible for the death of a migrant worker during crackdown. 18