Human Rights Commission: The Expression "Overcoming Disability" Promotes Prejudice Against People with Disabilities

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has determined that the expression "overcoming disability" can promote prejudice against people with disabilities and that the government should take measures to prevent its widespread use.

On the 9th, the NHRCK announced that on the 1st, it recommended the Minister of Health and Welfare and the Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City to amend the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities and related ordinances that use the expression "overcoming disability," as it may cause negative stereotypes and prejudice against people with disabilities. Furthermore, it emphasized the need to establish active promotional measures to prevent the expression from being socially accepted.

According to the NHRCK, complainant A filed a complaint after discovering the expression "overcoming disability" in the announcement for recruiting candidates for the "9th Daegu Metropolitan City Disabled Persons Award." The respondent replied that the expression "overcoming disability" was also used in a Ministry of Health and Welfare official document requesting the identification and recommendation of individuals who have overcome hardships due to disability and contributed to the promotion of welfare for persons with disabilities on the occasion of the 43rd Disabled Persons Day. Additionally, it explained that as a person with a disability, the expression is socially and generally accepted to describe those who overcome difficulties and serve as role models for others. However, it added that there are opinions, like those of A, who feel discomfort and believe that disability should not be perceived as something to be overcome, and that it would consult related disability organizations for their views.

The NHRCK stated, "Considering that there was no discriminatory intent and that the expression was used by administrative agencies and in legislation, the complaint was dismissed," but also noted, "The expression 'overcoming disability' may form negative perceptions of people with disabilities, and improving this can further contribute to the protection and enhancement of the human rights of persons with disabilities." It continued, "Although the causes of difficulties faced by persons with disabilities lie in social and institutional barriers, attributing responsibility to the individual with a disability or neglecting society's responsibility to provide opportunities for social participation may result. The expression may also deny the self-identity of persons with disabilities who perceive disability merely as a difference from non-disabled people."