National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2022 from experts and civil society regarding the protection of human rights in the context of epidemic situations. As a result, the Commission made recommendations to revise certain provisions of the law that pertain to significant human rights issues arising during infectious disease outbreaks, including the definition of suspected patient of infectious diseases, quarantine measures, and provisions for safeguarding vulnerable groups. The Commission also identified and addressed human rights issues to strengthen the social safety net for vulnerable groups facing various violations, including income and labor instability, gaps in medical and care services, and hatred and discrimination amid the prolonged COVID-19 situation. The Commission made recommendations and expressed opinions on the right of workers to rest when sick during infectious disease situations. Additionally, it issued a Chairperson’s statement in relation to the Itaewon incident, urging the government to acknowledge its responsibility, conduct a thorough investigation, and support the victims. The Commission also conducted a survey to explore ways to protect the human rights of farmers in the context of the climate crisis and held policy discussions to strengthen the housing rights of vulnerable groups whose housing issues were exacerbated by heavy rain during the summer. In particular, the Commission played a crucial role in fostering a social consensus on the importance of adopting a human rights approach to addressing the climate crisis. It emphasized the government’s fundamental obligation to protect and promote human rights in response to the climate crisis. 2) ‌Strengthening Social Security to Address Poverty and Inequality The Commission worked to protect and enhance social security rights and reduce polarization by addressing various care issues such as care gaps, overburdened care, and re-familialization of care caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. It recommended institutional improvements to resolve blind spots in caregiving, strengthen the public nature of elderly care, and improve working conditions of elderly care workers; made recommendations and expressed opinions to expand social responsibility for caregiving; recommended improvements in systems to support the social reintegration of socially isolated young people; and recommended institutional improvements to enhance the accessibility and expansion of mental health services for young people. 52