Human Rights Commission, Inspection of Compliance with 'Human Rights Protection for Workplace Sports Team Athletes'

National Human Rights Commission of Korea building. Photo by Human Rights Commission

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The National Human Rights Commission announced on the 8th that it plans to inspect whether the policy improvement measures recommended to relevant organizations for the protection of human rights of workplace sports team athletes are being properly implemented on the ground.

Previously, on July 29 last year, the Human Rights Commission recommended 266 heads of organizations, including the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to prepare policy improvement measures for the protection and promotion of human rights of workplace sports team athletes.

According to the results of the 'Workplace Sports Team Athletes Human Rights Situation Survey' conducted by the Human Rights Commission in 2019, workplace sports team athletes were highly likely to be exposed to anti-human rights situations such as routine sexual violence and abuse, as well as excessive control over their private lives despite being adults. Some athletes were also found to be in unfair contract environments where working conditions were unilaterally decided by coaches.

Following the Human Rights Commission's recommendation, each recommended organization has proceeded with measures such as mandating the preparation of 'Workplace Sports Team Operation Regulations' including human rights protection content through the enactment and revision of related laws, ordinances, and regulations; developing and distributing a 'Standard Contract for Workplace Sports Team Athletes'; and formalizing 'Dormitory Operation Management Guidelines.' They also notified the Human Rights Commission of their implementation plans to conduct customized human rights education for athletes and improve dormitory facilities (one person per room) in the future.

The Human Rights Commission stated, "This year, we have selected the inspection of the implementation of policy recommendations in the sports sector as a major task, and we will closely examine the implementation status of each organization regarding the recommendation for the protection and promotion of human rights of workplace sports team athletes to ensure that the recommendations are properly implemented on the ground," adding, "We plan to manage this diligently to ensure prompt implementation."