National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2022 M. Research and Legislative Activities 2021 NHRCK Publication on Human Rights Situation in the Republic of Korea The Commission released the 2021 NHRCK Report on Human Rights Situation in accordance with Article 29 (1) of the NHRCK Act. The report depicts the situation of domestic human rights during the year 2021 and offers assessments and suggestions for improvement. It marks the Commission’s inaugural publication of a comprehensive report on the human rights situation, encompassing the human rights concerns that emerged in South Korea over the course of the year. The 2021 NHRCK Report on Human Rights Situation is divided into three parts, with six chapters, covering 18 areas and addressing 66 topics. It presents a compilation of the major human rights situations and evaluations in 2021. It highlights issues that garnered significant attention within our society, including several cases of sexual violence that led to the death of soldiers, the forced discharge and subsequent death of a transgender soldier, the enactment and limitations of the Serious Accident Punishment Act, as well as the intersection of COVID-19 and human rights concerns, among various others. ‌ Advocating for Enactment of Equality Act and Providing Support for PostLegislation Measures The Commission engaged in various activities to support the successful legislation of the Equality Act. One of these activities was the release of a statement by the Chairperson (May 2022), emphasizing the importance of prompt legislation of the Equality Act as a crucial step towards resolving conflicts caused by discrimination and fostering a society that values diversity. This advocacy was prompted by the findings of a recent national survey on public awareness of discrimination (conducted in April 2022), which indicated that 67.2% of the population supported the enactment of the pending equality bill in the National Assembly. Furthermore, international bodies such as the UN human rights treaty bodies have consistently recommended legislative action to our government, and a majority of OECD member countries have already enacted their own equality laws to promote social harmony and respect for diversity. Specifically, the Commission submitted an opinion on the bill to the Legislative and Judiciary 104