Human Rights Commission "Abolition of Chungnam Basic Human Rights Ordinance Raises Concerns of Human Rights System Regression"

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) expressed concerns about the potential damage to human rights values and the regression of the regional human rights protection system in relation to the petition to repeal the 'Chungnam Basic Human Rights Ordinance' submitted to the Chungcheongnam-do Provincial Council.

On the 9th, the NHRCK announced that it had expressed opposition to Cho Gil-yeon, Chairman of the Chungnam Provincial Council, and Kim Tae-heum, Governor of Chungnam Province, regarding the petition to repeal the Chungnam Basic Human Rights Ordinance submitted the previous day.

In August of last year, a petition to repeal the Chungnam Human Rights Ordinance was submitted to the Chungnam Provincial Council, claiming that the ordinance was enacted based on incorrect concepts and values of human rights. In particular, reasons for discrimination such as sexual orientation, gender identity, family form, ideology, and criminal record were pointed out as problematic.

The NHRCK stated, "The concepts contained in the ordinance are based on human dignity, value, and rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the Human Rights Commission Act, as well as international human rights treaties and customary international law to which Korea is a party or has ratified," adding, "These are very appropriate and valid concepts for realizing individual fundamental rights and human dignity and value."

Furthermore, the NHRCK added, "Reasons for discrimination such as sexual orientation, gender identity, family form, ideology, and criminal record are recognized as universal human rights that should be protected from unfair discrimination under the Constitution, the Human Rights Commission Act, international human rights norms, and international covenants," and "It is appropriate to stipulate such reasons for prohibition of discrimination from the perspective of protecting the human rights of not only socially vulnerable groups but also all residents of the province."

The NHRCK explained, "The United Nations Human Rights Council emphasized the role of local governments in the localization of human rights and the protection and promotion of human rights in 2013," and "The Chungnam Human Rights Ordinance, enacted as a product of this process, is meaningful in localizing and institutionalizing human rights, which are universal values of humanity." It continued, "Repealing the Chungnam Human Rights Ordinance not only goes against the localization of human rights but also risks regressing the regional human rights protection system," and stated, "We clearly express our opposition to the petition for repeal of the ordinance."

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