National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2020 Chapter 2 Domestic and International Environment In 2020, the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic threatened people’s lives and security, and presented social and economic risks. The situation also more clearly highlighted existing human rights issues. It showed how individuals, particularly social minorities, can become vulnerable in a disaster situation, and revealed some of the unknown blind spots of human rights. The Commission actively responded to human rights issues emerging from the pandemic, through statements, recommendations, on-site inspections, ex officio investigations, and emergency surveys. It launched a COVID-19 special task force to examine pending issues and to suggest ways to improve institutions. The spread of the pandemic also exacerbated hate speech and discrimination based on race, nationality, region, and religion. Paradoxically, this helped raise awareness of the seriousness of the issue, and there is now more public consensus on the need to address the problem. In this connection, the Commission in June expressed opinion to the National Assembly that an equality law be enacted in order to address discrimination and hate speech, and effectively safeguard the rights to equality, and began work in support of legislation. The tragic death of athlete Choi Sook-hyun in June pointed to enduring violence and sexual violence in sports, highlighting the need for urgent environmental and structural reform in this area. The Commission focused efforts on a paradigm shift and the safeguard of human rights in sports. Meanwhile, increased police power resulting from the adjustment of investigative jurisdiction between the police and the prosecution raised the need to prevent and put a democratic check on potential police abuse of power and violation of human rights. In light of its 20th anniversary in 2021, the Commission sought new directions for the organization. To assume greater responsibilities, build expertise as the national human rights watchdog, and enhance program efficiency and effectiveness, it developed ‘Actions and Strategy to Promote Human Rights (2021-2025),’ which lists NHRCK objectives, captures the strengths of the Human Rights Promotion Action Plan, and takes into account flexibility, strategy, balance of portfolios, and continuity with other similar plans. 08