Gyeonggi Fire Department Establishes Human Rights Protection Measures... Responding to Malicious Complaints and More

Job Training for Establishing Public Service Discipline for Employees Organized by Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters

The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters has established and is implementing the 'Gyeonggi-do Firefighter Human Rights Protection Measures' to protect firefighters from various internal and external human rights violations such as malicious complaints, workplace power harassment, and sexual issues, and to enhance human rights awareness.

First, to prevent human rights violations in advance, the Fire and Disaster Headquarters provides human rights prevention education throughout the lifecycle, from newly appointed personnel to current employees, operates an anonymous reporting system for grievances and misconduct, and conducts proactive preventive inspections during periods when public service discipline may be at risk.

To respond strictly to human rights violations, the headquarters’ Fire Audit Department investigates illegal acts by complainants such as verbal abuse, physical assault, and long or repeated phone calls to firefighters, and if the case is serious, files complaints or prosecutions. In particular, assault cases against paramedics will be directly investigated by the headquarters’ special fire investigation unit, applying a zero-tolerance policy.

Furthermore, those accused of misconduct such as power harassment and sexual harassment will be severely disciplined by applying the principle of exemplary punishment with the highest level of penalties.

Along with this, support for legal disputes through compensation for damages during field activities and lawyer assistance will also be promoted.

Before establishing the human rights protection measures, the Fire and Disaster Headquarters completed job training for fire station inspection and human rights officers twice last month.

Earlier, in March, the Fire and Disaster Headquarters became the first nationwide to reorganize and establish the Hearing and Human Rights Officer positions at all 35 fire stations in the province to protect employee human rights.

Jo Sun-ho, head of the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, "The role of the Hearing and Human Rights Officer is extremely important for protecting firefighters' human rights," and urged, "Please take the lead in protecting employees from external risks, preventing human rights violations in the workplace through regular education, and fostering a culture of mutual respect."