UN Committee on the Rights of the Child Chair Meets Government, Urges Examination of Fundamental Causes of Juvenile Crime

Korea Engages in Social Dialogue on Lowering Age of Criminal Responsibility
UN Committee Proposes Meeting with Government
Emphasizes the "Under 14" Principle

The Social Dialogue Council, which is currently discussing the possible lowering of the age of criminal responsibility for minors (known as "Chokbeop boys"), held a video meeting with Sophie Kilaije, Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, on the 23rd.

Minister Won Minkyoung of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family held a video meeting with Sophie Kilajé, Chairperson of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, on the afternoon of the 23rd at the Government Seoul Office Building, exchanging views on international standards and policy directions related to the age of criminal minority. Provided by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family

During the meeting, Chair Sophie Kilaije stated, "The healthy development of children is the responsibility of all of us, and we must examine the fundamental causes of juvenile crime."

She also emphasized the importance of the "under 14" principle, which is the recommendation of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child and is accepted by many countries. In effect, she expressed opposition to lowering the current age of criminal responsibility from under 14 to under 13 in Korea.

The meeting was attended by Won Minkyoung, Minister of Gender Equality and Family and co-chair of the Social Dialogue Council; Noh Jeonghee, Distinguished Professor at the Judicial Research and Training Institute; Han Youngsun, Chair of the Legal System Subcommittee; as well as officials from related ministries such as the Ministry of Education, the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Jo Mijin, Secretary-General of the UNICEF Korea Committee, was also present.

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child is a human rights body under the United Nations, established to monitor the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This meeting was held at the suggestion of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child through the UNICEF Korea Committee.

The Social Dialogue Council introduced the current status of public discussions on the age of criminal responsibility and future plans, and sought opinions on international standards and overseas cases.

Minister Won Minkyoung stated, "We will seek ways to promote children's rights and facilitate the reintegration of juveniles into society, while considering both the protection of children's rights and the rehabilitation of young offenders."

Co-chair Noh Jeonghee said, "The recommendations of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child and various international cases will serve as important references in the discussion to improve the system of criminal responsibility for minors," adding, "We will work to develop child-friendly and effective policy measures."

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