Amnesty International (AI) welcomed South Korea's establishment of a Human Rights Commission on Friday but expressed concern over certain regulations that could limit the effectiveness and independence of the new body.
Calling the commission "a great step forward," AI said in a press release it hopes the group will monitor and rectify human rights breaches such as discrimination and abuse in the prison system.
The press release said...although welcoming the establishment of the new commission, Amnesty International has several concerns over aspects of its constitution which could limit its effectiveness and independence.
The commission, for instance, cannot investigate cases already being handled by the government, and four of the 11 members are appointed directly by the president, heightening the risk of politicizing the commission.
It said...the commission staff will not have immunity from defamation suits, which could limit their freedom to address human rights concerns.
Amnesty International is writing to (President Kim Dae-jung) asking him to urgently address these issues and to ensure that the commission's secretariat, which will be established over the next few months, will be adequately funded.