Defense Ministry Expresses "Regret" Over Quarantine Measures Blocking Restrooms

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]The Ministry of National Defense stated on the 27th that it "feels deeply sorry" in response to criticisms that the Army Training Center's excessive quarantine guidelines, implemented to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), have infringed on the human rights of trainees.

At a regular briefing on the same day, Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Bu Seung-chan responded to related inquiries by explaining, "Since about 3,500 people enter the Army Training Center each week, it was not equipped with facilities to respond to COVID-19." He added, "As a result, close contact was inevitable, and because of enclosed spaces, it was separated as a place where large-scale group infections could occur, so relatively strict quarantine rules were applied. We deeply regret this."

Spokesperson Bu introduced that "currently, 'improvement measures' are being implemented," saying, "In the past, showers were allowed about ten days later after a negative result was confirmed in the second PCR test, but now, showers are permitted from the third day once a negative result is confirmed after the first PCR test."

Regarding the criticism that "harsh quarantine measures are only imposed on ordinary soldiers," he acknowledged, "We admit that there are some differences depending on status," and emphasized, "The Ministry of National Defense is making its best efforts to gather comprehensive opinions, develop improvement plans, and ensure that human rights violations do not occur."

He added, "(Minister Seo Wook) also specially requested and instructed at yesterday's (26th) meeting that without the dedication, responsibility, and communication of frontline commanders, unfortunate incidents will inevitably continue to occur, so attention should be heightened."

The Military Human Rights Center (Center) stated in a press release the day before, "The Army Training Center has implemented excessive quarantine guidelines, such as prohibiting trainees from brushing their teeth and washing their faces for three days and allowing bathroom use only during controlled times, while taking preventive quarantine measures against COVID-19, thereby infringing on individuals' rights to maintain hygiene."

The Center particularly pointed out, "We have also received reports that due to time restrictions on bathroom use, incidents of urinating in pants have occasionally occurred," and criticized, "Under the pretext of infection prevention, even bowel movements are being controlled, which is an unreasonable situation."