Human Rights Chairperson Welcomes Passage of Basic Act on Life and Safety by National Assembly

“State Responsibility for Disasters Clarified, Foundation for Victims’ Rights”
“Independence of Investigative Bodies and Victim Participation Must Follow”

Ahn Changho, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, expressed his support for the passage of the Basic Act on Life and Safety by the National Assembly. He assessed that this legislation represents significant institutional progress in the prevention of disasters and accidents and the protection of victims' rights.

Changho Ahn, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In a statement released on May 8, Chairperson Ahn said, "I hope that the passage of the Basic Act on Life and Safety by the National Assembly will serve as an opportunity for life and safety to be firmly established as core principles in national governance." He added, "I find it meaningful that the human rights principle—ensuring the dignity and rights of victims throughout all stages of disasters—has been faithfully reflected in the law."

The previous day, the National Assembly passed the Basic Act on Life and Safety during its plenary session. The act institutionalizes the responsibilities of the central and local governments in preventing and responding to disasters and risks. The government will be required to formulate a comprehensive life and safety plan every five years to promote the right to safety. In addition, the law expands the definition of 'victims' to include not just those directly affected by safety accidents, but also their families and witnesses, thereby guaranteeing their rights as well.

Chairperson Ahn stated, "The bereaved families of disaster victims have consistently called for legislation to ensure that similar tragedies are not repeated, alongside efforts to uncover the truth." He continued, "The longstanding advocacy of bereaved families and civil society, whether in the streets, public squares, at the National Assembly, or through social dialogue, has formed the most important foundation for this legislation."

He also emphasized the importance of effective follow-up measures. "Investigative bodies established in the event of major disasters or accidents must be ensured genuine independence and expertise," he remarked. "The rights to know, participate, access information, and receive recovery support for victims must be institutionally guaranteed, not merely declared in principle."

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