Human Rights Commission: "Railfare Discounts for Disabled Should Also Apply to Foreigners"
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) emphasized that Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) should take measures to allow registered foreign persons with disabilities to use rail services at discounted rates.
On the 1st, the NHRCK announced that it recommended KORAIL and related organizations improve the system to provide discounted rail fares to registered foreign persons with disabilities.
According to the NHRCK, Mr. A, a permanent resident of Korea, was not given a discount on rail fares despite his spouse being a registered hearing-impaired person, simply because he is a foreigner. Mr. A filed a complaint with the NHRCK in July last year, claiming discrimination.
KORAIL responded, "According to Article 32, Paragraph 2 of the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, foreigners may be restricted from receiving support from disability welfare projects considering budget and other factors." They added, "Based on this provision, registered foreign persons with disabilities were excluded from the discount eligibility, and providing benefits only to nationals and overseas Koreans is not discrimination." KORAIL also noted that the annual cost of fare reductions for persons with disabilities is about 20 billion KRW, which is a significant burden.
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In response, the NHRCK stated, "Including registered foreign persons with disabilities in the fare reduction program may negatively impact the corporation's finances," and dismissed Mr. A's complaint. However, they emphasized the need for system improvement. The NHRCK said, "Reducing economic burdens is necessary for both domestic and foreign persons with disabilities who face restrictions in daily and social life due to their disabilities," and added, "If registered foreign persons with disabilities are granted rail fare discounts, it would be desirable from the perspective of social participation of persons with disabilities and would also contribute to human rights improvements such as guaranteeing mobility rights for persons with disabilities."
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