Annual Report 2013 foundation as a way to ensure basic rights. For example, it reviewed the status of implementing the recommendations of the second phase of the National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (hereinafter to be referred to as "NAP"). It also hosted a round table and a forum attended by experts as an effort for the enactment of a "Framework Act on Human Rights." With regard to the right to freedom, the NHRCK carried out a suo moto investigation on the illegal surveillance on civilians by the Civil Service Ethics Division of the Prime Minister's Office last year. In January 2013, the NHRCK recommended, based on the findings of the investigation, the President, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Prime Minister to take necessary action to prevent the recurrence of similar cases and to provide the victims with appropriate remedies. In October 2013, the Chairperson of the NHRCK issued a statement on the governmental request for the revision of the Charter of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union. The statement emphasized that excessive government intervention in the qualifications requirements for labor union members might possibly infringe upon the freedom of association. It further reconfirmed the existing position of the NHRCK that Paragraph 2, Article 9 of the Enforcement Decree of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act, which disqualifies the status of the trade union for an extremely small number of union members are displaced from the workplace, should be repealed. The NHRCK, in addition, expressed its opinion on the proposed draft of amendments to the Maritime Security Act involving the use of 8 ▪▪▪ Part I. Introduction