On July 24, President Lee Jaemyung stated on social media, "We will thoroughly and strictly punish any barbaric violations of human rights against socially vulnerable groups."
President Lee made this statement while sharing a video posted on OhmyTV that day. The footage showed a foreign worker tied with plastic wrap and suspended in the air by a forklift. The forklift operator drove with the foreign worker bound, and laughter could be heard from people nearby. It has been reported that the operator is Korean.
President Lee said, "I could not believe my eyes when I saw the video," and criticized, "It is simply unbelievable that such an incident could occur in a country that is a global cultural powerhouse and a model of democracy." He further pointed out, "This is intolerable violence against minorities and the vulnerable, and a clear violation of human rights."
President Lee continued, "The way we treat those who are powerless and in difficult circumstances reflects the dignity of our society," and emphasized, "Relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Employment and Labor, will respond actively to prevent human rights violations and labor exploitation that take advantage of unstable status."
President Lee also explained, "In the past, Korean workers also endured hardships in various countries around the world in search of jobs, and thanks to their efforts, today's Korea exists," adding, "Just as Korean citizens who set out on long journeys for their livelihoods were valued, the basic human rights of migrant workers must also be protected."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
