Forwarded herewith is a letter written by Louise Arbour the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to Mrs. Lee Kyung-sook, the Chairperson of the Transition Committee of the President of the Republic of Korea regarding a recommendation made by this Transition Committee to place the (NHRCK) directly under the control of the President of the Republic of Korea. The letter calls for a review of any plans which might affect the independence of the NHRCK.
UNITED NATIONS
High Commissioner for Human Rights
17 January 2008
Dear Chairperson,
I understand that the Transition Committee that you are chairing is recommending that the National (NHRCK) be placed directly under the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea, if this is indeed the ease, I would urge that the plan he reconsidered.
The NHRCK is an internationally highly regarded national human rights institution (NHRI), indeed a model for other countries. The Commission is a very active institution at the national level, and an engaging force at the regional and international levels as an important member of the Asia Pacific Forum and a Vice Chair of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC).
The intended placement could negatively influence the international standing of the NHRCK and could erode its national position. It could also impact on public perceptions of its independence and compliance with the internationally accepted benchmarks for NHRIs, the Paris Principles, (UN GA resolution 48/134). This could in turn affect the NHRCK accreditation with the ICC and the Republic of Koreas excellent reputation in the international human rights system.
I therefore would suggest that you consider reviewing any plans which might affect the independence of the NIIRCK so that the Commission may continue to play its well recognised role at the national, regional and international levels.
Yours sincerely,
Louise Arhour
High Commissioner for Human Rights
Mrs. Lee Kyung-sook
Chairperson of the Transition Committee of the President of the Republic of Korea
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About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984. The above statement has only been forwarded by the AHRC.
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