Measures for Personnel Management to Eradicate Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence in Public Institutions

Ministry of Economy and Finance to Approve at Public Transport Committee on 26th and Notify Public Institutions

[Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] Going forward, when sexual harassment or sexual violence occurs in public institutions, more systematic personnel management regarding victim protection and disciplinary actions against perpetrators will be implemented.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced on the 28th that it has prepared the 'Personnel Management Measures for Eradicating Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence (Amendments to Management Guidelines and Innovation Guidelines).' This was approved at the Public Institution Management Committee meeting held on the 26th and was notified to all 340 public institutions the following day.

This measure reflects the public's growing interest and awareness of the issue of eradicating sexual harassment and sexual violence and aims to create a healthy working environment and organizational culture within public institutions.

The personnel management measures include codifying the responsibilities of institution heads and the establishment of reporting centers. Institution heads must prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence within their organizations, prohibit any personnel disadvantages to victims, and implement protective measures to prevent secondary harm. They must also establish and operate sexual harassment and sexual violence reporting centers within their institutions and notify the relevant ministry if incidents involving executives, including the institution head, occur. Provisions prohibiting the disclosure of confidential information are also included.

Additionally, if sexual harassment or sexual violence is confirmed, personnel actions such as department transfers, dispatch for education and training, changes in work location, or use of leave must be taken for victims and reporters. These actions must not be against the wishes of the victims or reporters. For perpetrators, personnel measures include suspension from duty, requests for disciplinary action and disciplinary sanctions, prohibition of promotion, assignment of the lowest performance rating, and restrictions on key positions such as inspection, audit, and personnel roles.

When forming disciplinary committees for sexual harassment and sexual violence cases, at least one-third of the members must be of the same gender as the victim. Furthermore, if personnel disadvantages are taken due to the occurrence or reporting of such incidents, a report can be made to the relevant ministry.

A Ministry of Economy and Finance official stated, "Through this guideline amendment, the entire process from 'reporting to investigation and subsequent personnel management' of sexual harassment and sexual violence incidents involving public institution employees has been systematically codified in management guidelines." He added, "By unifying the prevention-related provisions stipulated in the Framework Act on Gender Equality and the Act on Equal Employment and Support for Work-Family Reconciliation into management guidelines that directly regulate public institutions, the responsiveness and predictability of public institutions and their employees have significantly improved."

The Ministry of Economy and Finance plans to continue working with related ministries such as the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to take necessary measures to eradicate sexual harassment and sexual violence in public institutions.

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