Human Rights Commission: "Forcing Students to Study During Lunch Break Violates Right to Rest"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The National Human Rights Commission has ruled that schools forcing students to study during lunchtime infringes on their right to rest.

On the 23rd, the Human Rights Commission announced that it recommended A High School, B High School, and their respective principals to refrain from making students listen to English or engage in self-directed learning during lunchtime in order to protect students' right to rest. The Commission elaborated, "Forcing students to engage in learning activities or mandating that they remain in the classroom during lunchtime infringes on the right to rest derived from the pursuit of happiness under Article 10 of the Constitution."

Previously, the Commission received complaints from students of A High School and B High School stating that the schools were infringing on their right to rest by conducting English listening sessions for all third-year students during lunchtime. A High School explained, "It is not coercion; rather, according to class management methods, students who need it are guided to listen to English," and added, "Students can rest by using their mobile phones, etc." B High School also claimed, "The lunchtime English listening program was implemented in response to requests from many parents and students," and stated, "Participation is not forced on students who do not wish to join."

However, the Human Rights Commission rejected the schools' claims that participation in English listening was voluntary based on individual needs. The basis for this judgment included ▲ the fact that all third-year students are required to enter the classroom and sit down after lunch ▲ and that it is practically difficult for students to rest comfortably without participating in learning activities under the supervision of their homeroom teacher.

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