Seochang-rok, Korea University Professor, Elected as Member of the UN Human Rights Committee for Civil and Political Rights... First Since South Korea's Accession

Elected with Support from 117 out of 173 Member States

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Professor Seo Chang-rok of Korea University's Graduate School of International Studies was elected as a member of the Human Rights Committee at the election held on the 17th (local time) at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 18th. The term of office is four years.

The election saw high competition with 14 candidates vying for 9 vacant seats. Professor Seo Chang-rok was elected with the support of 117 countries out of the 173 State Parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

This is the first time since South Korea joined the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1990 that a Korean figure has entered the Human Rights Committee, a key body within the UN human rights mechanisms. This committee is a major human rights treaty body that reviews the implementation by each country of the rights stipulated in the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including the right to life, freedom of the person, freedom of conscience and religion, prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly and association.

Professor Seo is a human rights expert who has served as the representative of the human rights NGO Human Asia, a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, and chair of the Committee's complaints working group. His election is regarded as international recognition of his active efforts to promote and protect human rights worldwide.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The government actively supports the advancement of Korean experts with professionalism into international human rights mechanisms as part of its contribution to international efforts to protect and promote human rights," adding, "Through Professor Seo's entry into the Human Rights Committee, we expect that South Korea will be able to contribute even more to international efforts to protect and promote human rights."

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