[In-Depth Look] The Necessity of Supporting Public Interest Lawyers

Recently, I saw an advertisement asking for support for children living in poor conditions. I had previously felt heartbroken by such ads and donated before. Upon seeing the ad again, I learned that the child had not been registered at birth. The child was not receiving any support from the government, and even vaccinations were a heavy financial burden. What if this child had been registered at birth? At the very least, wouldn't they have been able to receive vaccinations for free? Watching the support ad, I felt both regret and bitterness.

Is there any organization fundamentally trying to solve the problem of children not being registered at birth and the many issues arising from it? Yes, there is. It is the "Universal Birth Registration Network," in which Duru also participates. The universal birth registration system guarantees that all children born in Korea are registered with the Korean government. The "Universal Birth Registration Network" works on improving laws and systems, providing legal support, and running campaigns to ensure that every child born in Korea can be registered. Many public interest lawyers and organizations have joined forces to introduce the universal birth registration system in Korea.

Mr. Lurendo, originally from Congo, came to Korea with his family in December 2018 to escape persecution in his home country. However, the Incheon Airport Immigration Office refused their entry, citing "unclear purpose of entry." They were unable to even undergo refugee screening and lived at the airport for an extended period. Their health deteriorated, and they could not properly secure meals. When this story became known through the media, many places offered support.

On October 9, 2021, they were recognized as refugees by the Ministry of Justice Refugee Committee. Public interest lawyers accompanied them through most of the process, from counseling to trial. The support from many people helped the Lurendo family sustain their lives, and the efforts and dedication of the public interest lawyers led the family out of the airport.

Many public interest lawyers quietly, and sometimes openly, work to correct unreasonable practices, advocate for the rights of socially vulnerable groups, and strive to improve discriminatory systems. They play an essential role in our society, like light and salt. However, the finances of public interest lawyer organizations are often not very abundant. They do not engage in profit-making activities separately, and most of their income comes from donations.

Public interest lawyers often worry about sustainability. How long can we continue to work as public interest lawyers? Recently, the Moving Youth Center EXIT closed its doors. It survived for about ten years since 2011 with support from civil society, but as finances became increasingly difficult, it was decided to close after much deliberation. This could happen to us as well. If citizens' support and interest cease, many organizations may have to stop their activities.

There are many public interest lawyers everywhere who create empathy, appeal, and hope. If you are not currently supporting public interest lawyers, how about choosing one organization to support? You can support an organization composed of public interest lawyers or one that employs public interest lawyers as members. When you want to solve problems caused by unreasonable systems, there are public interest lawyers working on the front lines to resolve those issues. I ask you to give them much support and donations.

Lee Seonmin, Lawyer at the Corporation Duru