National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea
beyond basic adjustment training and national basic livelihood security subsidy. In
addition, regarding the question of whether to accept North Korean refugees in the
case of a mass refugee originating out of North Korea, a majority of respondents
said it would be better to selectively accept only some, taking account of South Korea’s
economic capacity and diplomatic burden, rather than to accept all or none. The
majority of respondents wanted to maintain the current level in exchange with or
support for North Korea rather than either expanding or reducing.
On the other hand, neighbors or peers at work demonstrated a higher interest in,
and sense of intimacy toward North Korean defectors than the general public. According
to in-depth interviews with North Korean defectors, 38% of interviewees experienced
discrimination in finding a job while about 20% experienced it in their relations with
neighbors and 52% in school or work.
The Commission plans to perform necessary policy recommendations by collecting
diverse opinions from experts and relevant authorities and organizations based on
this survey result.
③ Activities of the Special Committee on the Human Rights in North Korea
The Special Committee on the Human Rights in North Korea (chairperson, Yoon
Nam-geun) is an exclusive body in the NHRCK dedicated to responding to important
human rights issues of North Korea domestically and internationally.
In 2014, a total of six meetings were held in the Special Committee where the draft
North Korean Human Rights Act with related recommendations were developed, and
statements on the major human rights issues of North Korea such as the UN COI
work and the establishment of the UN North Korean Human Rights Field-based
Structure in Korea were prepared and issued. As such, the Special Committee continued
to play a proactive role in improving human rights in North Korea.
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