Annual Report 2014 as guaranteed by Article 34 of the Constitution, and the right to social security provided by Article 22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. B. Chairperson’s Statement on the Fire in a Long-term Care Hospital for the Elderly in Jangseong On May 28, 2014, a fire, believed to be started by arson, in a long-term care hospital for the elderly in Jangseong, South Jeolla Province claimed 21 lives and left 8 injured. In response, the Commission presented the chairperson’s statement on June 3, 2014, expressing his deep condolences for the tragedy and demanding the urgent need to reestablish safety measures in medical benefits for the elderly in a rapidly aging society with the understanding that it is difficult to secure the right to the life and safety of senior citizens in a disaster such as this tragic fire when society, itself, fails to fully support the elderly with institutions or facilities customized to the special needs of elder citizens. In the statement, the NHRCK said that though there are many senior residents who have mobility related difficulties due to various senile disorders, such as dementia and stroke related hardships, in long-term care hospitals like the one in Jangseong, legal and institutional standards, which take into account these physical conditions and illnesses, are not fully established, and that the current human resources and safety regulations in long-term care hospitals have structural deficiencies to prevent such a tragic incident. In this regard, the Commission has made a great effort to protect and promote human rights of the elderly by conducting a survey on the current status of human rights in long-term care hospitals for the elderly and developing policy improvements across the spectrum of medical care facilities and the general service system for senior citizens. 50 ▪▪▪ Part II. Major Activities of the Commission