UN urges swift appointment of gender equality minister in Korea

A sign of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is seen at Government Complex Seoul in this undated photo. Korea Times file

A United Nations body has urged the Korean government to appoint a minister for gender equality and family, a position that has remained vacant since February following the government’s plan to abolish the ministry.

The recommendation was issued following the conclusion of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) review on the Korean government's women-related policies. The committee expressed concerns that these policies have regressed overall.

The CEDAW issued its final recommendations for the country on Monday (local time), following its review of the implementation status of 189 countries that have ratified the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Since becoming a member in 1984, Korea has submitted a national report outlining its policy achievements in related fields every four years for the committee's consideration.

The report by the committee raised serious concerns regarding the proposed abolition of the gender equality ministry in Korea by the government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP).

"The committee is concerned that this [abolition of the ministry] could lead to the fragmentation and de-prioritization of legal and policy frameworks dedicated to the advancement of women," it said.

Additionally, the report emphasized that the abolition would represent a regression from the committee's earlier stance, which advocated the strengthening of the gender equality ministry's role and resources.

"The committee is further concerned by the failure to appoint a minister for gender equality and family, the drastic reduction in the budget of the ministry, and retrogressive policies on women," it said. "Additionally, the committee is concerned about the limited participation of women’s organizations in the design and implementation of national plans and strategies for the advancement of women."

Rather than abolishing the ministry, the committee urged the Korean government to significantly enhance the human, technical, and financial resources allocated to the ministry. Additionally, the committee emphasized the importance of providing capacity-building for its staff. These measures are deemed essential for effectively integrating gender perspectives across all government departments, according to the committee.

Furthermore, the committee also requested the government to provide written information on the steps taken to implement the recommendations outlined in the report within a two-year timeframe.

President Yoon Suk Yeol's election campaign pledge included the abolition of the ministry, a proposal which was included in a revision bill of the Government Organization Act introduced by the PPP in 2022. However, the bill was scrapped due to the expiration of the 21st National Assembly term.

The ministerial position has remained vacant since the president accepted the resignation of former Minister Kim Hyun-sook in February. Despite the prolonged vacancy, Yoon has yet to appoint a successor.

President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers a speech during a public briefing marking the second anniversary of his presidency at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, May 9. Yonhap

Despite the U.N. committee's recommendation, the prospect of abolishing the gender equality ministry is increasing as the government pushes for the establishment of a new government body focused on addressing Korea's low birthrate. The new body is expected to assume a significant portion of the ministry's roles.

On Friday, the PPP announced its intention to propose bills addressing low birthrates, which include the establishment of a deputy prime minister-level ministry, as previously announced by Yoon during a press conference commemorating his two years in office last month.

Exactly how the new body will assume the roles of the gender ministry remains undecided. An official at the gender equality ministry said they have not been consulted or asked to review the scope of work for the new government body.