NHRCK to focus on preventing hatred, discrimination

National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) chief Choi Young-ae speaks to the press at NHRCK headquarter in central Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap

By Kim Jae-heun

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) chief Choi Young-ae promised Tuesday to come up with measures to prevent hatred and discrimination.

The commission will also work to improve the human rights of athletes, following recent allegations of coaches physically and sexually assaulting some of them.

“Hatred and discrimination may look like an individual's problems, but it comes from the structure of society,” Chairwoman Choi said during a meeting with reporters at the NHRCK headquarters in central Seoul. “We have to recognize that we can all be a target of such hatred and discrimination and take countermeasures.”

She said the country was is seeing an increase in hate speech against women, the elderly, refugees and sexual minorities, which threatens the basic order of a democratic society and prevents social unity.

The human rights watchdog will launch a special committee Feb. 20, consisting of 25 experts from various fields including law, academia and religion, and provide clear criteria of what is hatred and discrimination. Based on the committee's work, the NHRCK will produce policies to prevent hate speech and campaign against it together with the foreign affairs, justice, education and sports ministries.

The commission will also establish a separate investigative team Feb. 25 to look into ways to eradicate sexual abuse in sports. This issue came to the fore last December when Olympic short track speed skating star Shim Suk-hee accused her coach of repeatedly raping her.

The team, consisting of 17 members, will investigate the sports sector for a year, hearing testimony and creating a database of incidents. It will also offer assistance to victims of any type of crime including assault and sexual violence.

“The relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, have promised to accept our investigation results and recommendations to improve the human rights and competitive environment for athletes,” Choi said.