Suncheon-si Awarded the 'Korean Disabled Human Rights Award' This Year

Recognized for Contributions to Creating a Universal Design City

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Suncheon City (Mayor Heo Seok) received the Korea Disability Human Rights Award in the basic local government category at the 22nd Korea Disability Human Rights Awards ceremony held yesterday at the Irum Center in Yeouido, Seoul.

Organized by the Korea Federation of Organizations of the Disabled and supported by the National Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and KBS, the Korea Disability Human Rights Award recognizes individuals, organizations, local governments, and public institutions that have worked to promote the human rights of persons with disabilities and have dedicated themselves to creating a society free of discrimination.

This year, the Korea Disability Human Rights Award was divided into five categories: human rights practice, parliamentary affairs, social contribution, public institutions, and basic local government, and was awarded to seven individuals or organizations.

Suncheon City was honored with the award in the basic local government category in recognition of its efforts to create a universal design city, including the establishment of a barrier-free citizen road UD Street, installation of UD balls to improve the visibility of parking spaces exclusively for persons with disabilities, and the construction of barrier-free infrastructure at major tourist facilities such as Suncheon Bay Wetland and Suncheon Bay National Garden.

Mayor Heo Seok of Suncheon said, “Universal design provides a safe and convenient living environment not only for persons with disabilities but for all citizens.” He added, “We will continue to accelerate the creation of a universal design city and provide various customized welfare services for persons with disabilities to become the nation’s number one welfare city.”