Human Rights Chairperson: "Disability Rights Must Be Equal Rights, Not Simply 'Consideration'"

Changho Ahn, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, emphasized on the occasion of Disability Day that the rights of persons with disabilities must be guaranteed as equal rights, not simply as a matter of "consideration."

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

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On April 20, Chairperson Ahn stated in a declaration, "The rights of persons with disabilities are fundamental rights that should be naturally realized in everyday life," adding, "It is important for people with disabilities to live equally alongside those without disabilities, not to be subject to sympathy or one-off attention."

He pointed out, "Persons with disabilities still experience discrimination in all aspects of labor rights, including recruitment and promotion," and "there are also restrictions on access to transportation, cultural facilities, and information services." He continued, "This is not simply a matter of inconvenience, but rather a structural deprivation of opportunities for social participation." He also mentioned poor conditions and human rights violations within psychiatric institutions and welfare facilities, stating, "It is urgent to improve the treatment of persons with disabilities within facilities and hospitals."

Chairperson Ahn said, "Guaranteeing the rights of persons with disabilities is not a matter of consideration for a specific group, but an issue of equality as required by the Constitution," adding, "We will strive to ensure the practical guarantee of rights through expanding job opportunities and improving accessibility."

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