The Republic of Korea (ROK), which has made remarkable improvements within the areas of democracy and human rights in a short period of time, upholds the universal value of human rights as a centerpiece of its foreign policy goals. As a state party to seven core international human rights conventions, including the “UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights” and “International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,” Korea is earnestly striving to implement the provisions of the relevant conventions at the national level through collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders. In particular, with the special attention to the rights of the vulnerable such as women, children, and the disabled, Korea has achieved substantial improvements in the equal and effective enjoyment of human rights.

Furthermore, Korea has proactively participated in the activities of the UN Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, working closely with the international community for the protection and promotion of human rights around the world. In particular, Korea has been actively engaged in the international cooperation for the improvement of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). It has been a co-sponsor of the UN Resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in the DRPK at the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council since 2008.

Today, The Republic of Korea (ROK) is seen as an exemplary country that has achieved both democratization and economic growth based on the market economy system in just a single generation. Indeed, it is called one of the most advanced democracies in Asia. Taking advantage of its past experience of democratization, the Korean Government has been eagerly and actively participating in regional and international activities aimed at promoting democracy around the world.