Bar Association Statement: "Government Must Actively Accept Ukrainian Refugees on Humanitarian Grounds"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Korean Bar Association urged the government on the 22nd to "actively engage in accepting Ukrainian refugees on humanitarian grounds."

In a statement released that day, the Bar Association expressed "serious concern over human rights violations resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine."

The Bar Association emphasized, "According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as of March 19, approximately 3.39 million refugees have fled Ukraine due to the Russian invasion," adding, "This accounts for one-tenth of the total population, and when combined with internally displaced persons, the number approaches 10 million."

Considering this situation, the Bar Association argued that it is insufficient for the government to implement only special humanitarian stay measures for Ukrainians currently residing in the country, and that the government should take a further step to actively accept local refugees fleeing Ukraine.

They continued, "South Korea was the first in Asia to enact a Refugee Act in 2012, and in August last year, accepted 391 Afghan refugees as 'special contributors,'" urging, "In line with the country's elevated international status and economic scale, the government should play a more active role as a responsible member of the international community."

The Bar Association also stated, "We express support and solidarity with the Ukrainian government and people who have declared their will to resist Russia's unjust armed invasion, as well as with Russian citizens opposing the war," adding, "We will recognize the gravity of the situation in Ukraine and work together to protect refugees and resolve the human rights crisis."

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