National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2019 and criteria of hatred and discrimination, established self-imposed norms, and expressed an opinion regarding hate speech in politics. The Commission conducted living condition surveys of older persons, youths, people living in nondwelling facilities, and other groups exposed to poverty, to come up with an institutional improvement proposal to mitigate polarization through improved social safety nets. It also reviewed policy tasks and actively responded to current issues, including social insurance programs and the minimum wage, the three labor rights of indirectly employed workers, and suspension of living assistance services for persons with disabilities aged 65 years or older. On the international front, the Commission hosted the 24th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) in Seoul for the first time in 15 years. At the meeting, the Commission was elected as the Asia Pacific representative on the GANHRI Bureau. The Commission was also re-elected as the chair of the GANHRI Working Group on Ageing, raising its status and role in the international community. The Commission remained committed to safeguarding the human rights of all members of the society. It investigated approximately 10,000 petitions on human rights violations and discrimination, and strived to preserve human rights through on-site investigations, ex officio investigations, and emergency relief. In November, it established the Jeju Regional Human Rights Office to ensure prompt remedial actions. To ensure organizational and budgetary independence, and strengthen its functions and status, the Commission gathered input from civil societies and other sectors of society for a proposal to amend the National Human Rights Commission of Korea Act. The Commission is well aware that it has been able to reach where we are today thanks to strong support and encouragement, and sometimes harsh but affectionate words from human rights and civil society groups, at every moment and on every issue. We will continue to go together. The year 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the Commission. It will be a turning point that will enable us to take a leap forward. Looking ahead, we will continue to counter deep-rooted hate speech against socially vulnerable groups and minorities, and address social polarization. New human rights issues have emerged amid social changes brought in by COVID-19. As the national institution responsible for dealing with human rights issues, the Commission will do its utmost to address newly emerging challenges, remain actively engaged in countering old systems that threaten human dignity and value, and foster a society where everyone is treated with the same level of respect. Choi Young-ae Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission of Korea