"Insufficient Measures Against Sexual Crimes Within Jamboree Camp" Over 80 Scouts from Jeonbuk Decided to Withdraw

Some scouts from the Jeonbuk region participating in the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree reported that a sexual crime occurred within the camp, and proper follow-up measures were not taken, leading them to announce their decision to withdraw.

On the 6th, at the 2023 World Scout Jamboree Press Center, Scout officials affiliated with the Korea Scout Association Jeonbuk Federation Be My Friend held a press conference, while the organizers discouraged the proceeding of the conference. These officials stated their intention to withdraw, citing inadequate measures despite the occurrence of a sexual crime within the camp. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the morning of the 6th, officials from the Jeonbuk Federation's Be My Friend scout group held a press conference at the press center set up at the jamboree site, stating, "On the 2nd, a Thai leader was caught entering the women's shower room within the camp area." The official added that there were about 100 witnesses at the time.

They continued, "We waited as they said the matter would be handled according to the World Jamboree procedures, but the result was only a 'warning measure,'" "The incident was reported to the police together with leaders from Jeonbuk and was filed at Buan Police Station. Due to the seriousness of the case, it was transferred to the Women and Youth Investigation Unit of the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency," they said.

However, the jamboree organizers did not take proper action, and the officials conveyed that they decided to withdraw. They said, "Several days have passed without any measures being taken, and there was no protection or separation of the victim," "After talking with the scouts, they said they were too scared to stay in the camp area," they reported.

The group reportedly had about 80 members at the jamboree, including 72 youths.

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