Human Rights Commission Forms TF to Prevent Downgrade of International Human Rights Organizations Ratings

The National Human Rights Commission has decided to undergo a special review by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and has formed a task force (TF) to prevent a downgrade in its rating.

Ahn Chang-ho, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, is seated at the 2nd Plenary Committee meeting held at the National Human Rights Commission in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

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On the 9th at 5:44 PM, the Human Rights Commission issued a notice on its internal bulletin board announcing the concurrent appointment of the "TF Team for Responding to GANHRI Special Review and Strengthening the Commission’s International Role." A total of 11 members, including the team leader, Director of Policy and Education An Seong-yul, have started working.

The GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) Secretariat informed the Human Rights Commission on the 25th of last month that a special review had been initiated, requesting information regarding issues such as the suppression of human rights defenders, delays in complaint processing due to prolonged absence of meetings, and human rights violations related to the declaration of martial law.

The TF must prepare a response to the SCA’s information request by June 1. Afterwards, the Human Rights Commission will undergo an in-person review at the SCA’s rating adjustment meeting scheduled for late October in Geneva. At that time, it will be decided whether the existing A rating will be maintained or downgraded. The Human Rights Commission has maintained an A rating except for the period from 2009 to 2016.

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