National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2015 Part I Part I Introduction Introduction Chapter 1 Overview 1. Foundation The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (the “Commission”) was established on November 25th, 2001, pursuant to the National Human Rights Commission Act (the “NHRC Act”). The Commission is a national advocacy institution for human rights protection based on the Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions [the Paris Principles]1). Stipulating the competence and responsibilities of a national institution, its composition and guarantees of independence and pluralism, and methods of operation, the Paris Principles constitute the international standards for national human rights institutions. 2. Purpose and Identity The Commission is a national institution in charge of promoting and improving human rights in Korea. However, the Commission, by law, is guaranteed an independent status regarding all human rights issues in Korea. To ensure its independent status, it is legally separated from all branches (legislative, executive, judicial, and election) of the Government of the Republic of Korea. 1)‌The principles were adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Commission Resolution 1992/54 of March 3rd, 1992, and by the UN General Assembly Resolution 48/134 of December 20rd, 1993. Since they were defined at the first International Workshop on National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights held in Paris, they are often referred to as the “Paris Principles”. Part I Introduction | 3