www.humanrights.go.kr Part I Introduction Part I Overview of the Commission Introduction Chapter 1 1. Establishment The Commission was established on 25 November 2001, pursuant to the National Human Rights Commission Act (the “NHRC Act”). The Commission is a national institution advocating human rights protection based on the Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions (the Paris Principles1)). The Paris Principles, which stipulate the competence and responsibilities of national institutions, their composition and guarantees of independence and pluralism, and methods of operation, is 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. By structure, the Commission is legally separated from all branches (legislative, executive, judicial, and election) of the Republic of Korea to ensure its independence. 3. Key Missions 1) ‌Research of human rights-related laws and regulations, institutions, and policies, and recommendation for improvement 2) ‌Investigation of human rights violations and discriminations, and remedies thereof 1) ‌The principles were adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Commission Resolution 1992/54 of 3 March 1992, and by the UN General Assembly Resolution 48/134 of 20 December 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.” 3