President Moon: "There is Still a Long Way to Go to Call Ourselves a Human Rights Nation" (Comprehensive)

Attendance at the 20th Anniversary Ceremony of the National Human Rights Commission at Myeongdong Cathedral, the "Sanctuary of Democratization"

[Asia Economy reporters Jeongmin Ryu and Jieun Lee] On the 25th, President Moon Jae-in stated at the 20th anniversary ceremony of the National Human Rights Commission held at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, known as the "holy ground of democratization," that "there is still a long way to go before we can call ourselves a human rights nation."

President Moon said, "There have been particularly many shortcomings in guaranteeing socio-economic human rights."

He emphasized, "There was a limitation in not being able to establish a basic law on the prohibition of discrimination. This is a task we must overcome to become an advanced human rights country."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon pointed out, "Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. However, freedom, equality, dignity, and rights are not always guaranteed."

He stressed, "The freedom and equality we enjoy today are precious achievements made possible by the sacrifices and dedication of many people, and our dignity and rights can be taken away the moment we neglect them."

President Moon, a human rights lawyer and one of the figures who contributed to the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, evaluated that the scope of human rights has expanded during the COVID-19 situation. He said, "Through experiencing COVID-19, we realized how closely our lives are connected. We once again recognized that the safety of our neighbors leads to my own safety."

He explained, "When the human rights of others are guaranteed, my human rights are also guaranteed. The journey toward a society that respects human rights has no end because the concept of human rights is constantly expanding as society develops."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon said, "The entire world is contemplating how to resolve issues of discrimination, exclusion, and hatred. The gap issues arising amid COVID-19, the climate crisis, and digital transformation are also urgent human rights concerns," adding, "The existence and role of the Human Rights Commission will inevitably become even more important."

He urged, "I hope you will make special efforts to lead dialogue, compromise, and empathy, and to harmoniously enhance everyone's human rights. Sometimes, criticizing government policies and demanding alternatives is also a role the Human Rights Commission must fulfill," pledging, "The government will thoroughly guarantee the activities of the Human Rights Commission."

President Moon stated, "We will do what the government can to increase support for vulnerable groups, strengthen the social safety net, and enhance the basic rights of the people. We must also pool our capabilities to create new human rights norms in response to changes in the times."

He added, "Myeongdong Cathedral, where we are gathered now, was a place that called for the restoration of freedom and human rights against dictatorship. Broadly viewing everyone's human rights is the way to guarantee one's own human rights."

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