National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2022 Chapter 2 Investigations and Remedies of Human Rights Violations and Discrimination Section 1. Overview The NHRCK conducts investigations into cases of human rights violations and discrimination, and takes appropriate remedial measures in accordance with the NHRCK Act. 1. Subjects of Investigation The Commission’s investigations encompass national institutions, local governments, schools4), public service-related organizations5), detention and protection facilities involved in their duties6), where they violate the human rights guaranteed under Articles 10 through 22 of the Constitution or engage in discriminatory practices, as well as corporations, organizations, and individuals who commit acts of discrimination. 2. Petitions Investigations into human rights violations and discriminatory acts are primarily initiated through petitions, which can be submitted not only by victims but also by third parties aware of the incidents. To ensure the right to petition for individuals in detention or protection facilities who may find it difficult to submit petitions orally or by phone, the Commission conducts onsite petitioning visits known as the “face-to-face petitioning7)” system. 4) ‌Schools established in accordance with Article 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Article 2 of the Higher Education Act, and other relevant laws and statutes 5) ‌Public service-related organizations under Article 3-2 (1) of the Public Service Ethics Act 6) ‌Excluding the legislation of the National Assembly and trials in courts and the Constitutional Court 7) ‌According to Article 31 (Guarantee of the Right to Petition) Paragraphs 2 and 4 of the NHRCK Act, if a person in a facility wishes to make a petition in the presence of a commissioner or a staff member of the Commission, the Commission shall arrange for a commissioner or a staff member to visit the detention or protective facility and receive the petition orally or in writing. 106