Human Rights Commissioner: "Many Discriminations Still Exist... Rights of Disabled People Must Be Guaranteed"

Chairman Ahn Chang-ho of the National Human Rights Commission urged that the rights of people with disabilities in various areas such as mobility and employment must be guaranteed equally with those of non-disabled people ahead of the '45th Disability Day.'

Ahn Chang-ho, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, is seated at the 2nd Plenary Committee meeting held at the National Human Rights Commission in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

In a statement on the 18th, Chairman Ahn said, "Ahead of Disability Day on the 20th, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the rights of people with disabilities and eliminating discrimination," adding, "Policies encompassing disabilities in various fields must be established to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities."

Chairman Ahn stated, "Discrimination against people with disabilities still occurs routinely, and issues threatening human rights, such as abuse within residential facilities for people with disabilities, continue to happen," noting, "More than four out of ten discrimination complaints received by the Human Rights Commission involve discrimination against people with disabilities."

He added, "Seventeen years after the enforcement of the 'Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities,' perceptions of people with disabilities have shifted from sympathy to rights protection," and said, "The Human Rights Commission will continue its efforts to ensure a dignified life for people with disabilities."