Human Rights Commissioner "Welcomes Passage of Past Affairs Act... Opens Path to Restoring Honor of Victims of State Violence"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Choi Young-ae, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, stated, "I welcome the passage of the 'Basic Act on the Resolution of Past Affairs for Truth and Reconciliation (Past Affairs Act),' which provides grounds for reinvestigating human rights violations committed by the state in the past, opening the way for uncovering the truth and restoring the honor of victims of state violence."

On the 21st, Chairperson Choi said in a statement, "With the passage of the Past Affairs Act, it has become possible to investigate the truth behind state violence incidents that occurred from the Japanese colonial period through the authoritarian rule era, including the case of Hyeongjebokjiwon."

She added, "It is necessary to clearly identify the facts of state violence incidents and to take appropriate remedial measures such as restoring the victims' honor, compensation, and support," and emphasized, "Considering that many victims of state violence have passed away or are elderly, we must swiftly seek ways to provide maximum possible support."

However, Chairperson Choi expressed regret that "the Past Affairs Act does not include provisions for compensation to the victims."

On the 20th, the National Assembly plenary session passed an amendment to the Past Affairs Act, which aims to reestablish the 'Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the Resolution of Past Affairs,' dissolved after its investigative activities from 2006 to 2010, to uncover the truth about human rights violations committed from the Japanese colonial period through the authoritarian rule era.

The conditions for truth investigation cases are defined as cases requiring truth verification under the grounds for retrial according to the Civil Procedure Act and the Criminal Procedure Act, with the investigation period and extension period set at three years and one year, respectively.

With the enforcement of the Past Affairs Act, reinvestigations into cases such as Hyeongjebokjiwon and the civilian massacres during the Korean War are expected to take place.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.