Jeonbuk Province Strengthens Support System for Human Rights Protection and Social Participation of People with Disabilities

1.562 Billion Won Invested
Nine Projects Across Four Key Areas

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is strengthening its support system to protect the human rights of people with disabilities and promote their autonomous participation in society.

The provincial government announced on December 2 that it is investing a total of 156.2 billion won this year in the fields of human rights protection and activity support, implementing nine projects across four areas.

Jeonbuk Provincial Government Office building. Provided by Jeonbuk Province

This represents an increase of 11.3 billion won compared to the previous year, with a focus on supporting the safe daily lives and practical independence of people with disabilities.

By linking field-oriented projects such as joint public-private human rights surveys, operation of shelters for victims with disabilities, operation of advocacy agencies for the rights of people with disabilities, and activity support programs, the province has established a system that can respond immediately to needs on the ground.

The human rights survey of welfare facilities for people with disabilities conducted this year analyzed institutional areas for improvement and on-site challenges. A team of 30 professionals with relevant qualifications was formed to conduct interviews and living condition surveys at seven welfare facilities in the province (three day-use facilities, two residential facilities, and two facilities designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare).

In particular, the survey expanded its focus from residential facilities to include day-use facilities, closely examining blind spots in human rights and seeking policy improvements centered on prevention. In the second half of the year, the province secured a budget for relocating shelters for victims with disabilities to strengthen operational stability, with the relocation scheduled for completion by mid-December.

The province also plans to improve the existing co-ed operation system by completely separating spaces for men and women, thereby establishing a protection system that takes into account the gender characteristics of users. This measure is expected to enhance the physical and psychological protection of users by preventing secondary safety incidents.

The number of people eligible for activity support services aimed at helping people with disabilities in their daily lives and independence has been increased from 5,163 to 5,884. This year, Iksan City is piloting a personal budget system for people with disabilities, selected through a Ministry of Health and Welfare competition, which allows individuals to choose and use services according to their needs.

Hwang Cheolho, Director of Welfare, Women, and Health at the provincial government, stated, "Since it is most important to implement policies that guarantee the rights and autonomy of people with disabilities, we will continue to strengthen on-site advocacy and establish an integrated activity support system. Based on voices from the field, we will consistently pursue policies that bring about real change, doing our utmost to enable people with disabilities to live as proud members of their local communities."

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