30th Statement "Responding with Human Dignity as the Highest Priority"
Ahn Chang-ho, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, stated regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane accident, "Accurate information must be provided to the victims throughout the entire disaster response process, and sufficient protection and support must be systematically implemented."
On the 30th, Chairman Ahn issued a statement saying, "The government and local governments must prioritize the guarantee of human dignity and fundamental human rights as the highest value in responding to the recovery and support for victims, as well as in preparing measures to prevent recurrence following this disaster."
Chairman Ahn emphasized, "The government and local governments need to ensure that the media reports disaster coverage fairly and truthfully, and establish measures to prevent human rights violations caused by hateful expressions against disaster victims."
He continued, "Disaster and accident situations pose risks of infringing on various rights such as human dignity and value, the right to life, privacy and freedom, and the right to honor," adding, "The state's obligation to protect individuals' fundamental rights in disaster and accident situations must be carefully fulfilled across a very broad spectrum."
Chairman Ahn also expressed, "With a heavy heart, I pray for the souls of the deceased and offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families," and stated, "The Human Rights Commission will respect disaster victims as dignified rights holders and closely monitor the government's follow-up measures for cause investigation and prevention of recurrence."
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