National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2022 Informed by discussions both domestically and internationally, presidential candidate Kim Dae-jung pledged to establish a human rights institution as part of his campaign for the presidential election in 1997. In April 1999, a joint task force consisting of 71 human rights and civil society organizations was established. After three years of dedicated work by the task force, the NHRCK Act was enacted on May 24, 2001, during the Kim Dae-jung Administration. Six months later, on November 25, 2001, the Commission was established as an independent national human rights institution. The Commission is a national institution dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of socially disadvantaged individuals and minorities. This mandate is derived from the Constitution, other domestic laws, as well as customary international laws and human rights treaties that Korea has joined and ratified. The Commission is an independent institution that is not affiliated with any of the legislative, judicial, or executive branches of the government. It is a quasi-judicial organization whose procedures for investigating and redressing cases of human rights violations and discrimination complement the existing remedial procedures of other judicial agencies. The Commission functions as a quasi-international organization by implementing international human rights standards within the nation. It adheres to the authorities, responsibilities, organizational structure, and operational guidelines defined in the Paris Principles. With a view to protecting and promoting human rights for all, the Commission assumes four key functions, which are policy, investigations and remedies, education and promotion, and cooperation at home and abroad. In the realm of policy, the Commission makes recommendations and presents opinions on matters that require further study, research, and improvement in human rights- related laws and regulations, institutions, policies, and practices. It also submits opinions regarding proceedings that have significant implications on human rights. The Commission’s investigations and remedies are focused on addressing human rights violations and discrimination in national institutions, local governments, schools, public service-related organizations, and detention and protection facilities, as well as discrimination perpetrated by corporate bodies, organizations, and private individuals without justifiable reasons. The human rights education and promotion function is aimed at raising public awareness, and the exchanges and cooperation function involves collaborating with a wide range of human rights and civil society organizations, individuals in Korea, as well as relevant international organizations and human rights institutions abroad. 46