1. Korea’s human rights record was reviewed during the 2nd session of the Universal Periodic Review 
(UPR) Working Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council on May 7 in Geneva, Switzerland.

2. The Korean government sent a delegation to Geneva, headed by the 2nd Vice Foreign Minister Kim Sung-
hwan and comprised of human rights specialists from relevant ministries including the Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Gender Equality, Ministry for Health, 
Welfare and Family Affairs, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and Ministry of National Defense. 
In the opening statement by the head of delegation and Q&A session, Korea explained its human rights 
situation in detail and stated its position on several human rights issues that other member states of the 
Council raised during the review.

3. The participants in the reviewing process appreciated that Korea has achieved outstanding 
accomplishments in promoting and protecting human rights through the democratization. Expressing their 
interest in Korea’s efforts to develop domestic legislative measures for the enhancement of human rights, 
they also raised questions regarding issues of death penalty, Korea’s National Security Law, discrimination 
against women and the disabled, the rights of migrant workers, domestic violence against women, corporal 
punishment at schools, refugees recognition and Korea’s accession to major human rights agreements 
other than it has already participated in as a state party thereof.

4. Taking this opportunity, Korea will scrutinize its human rights situation and seek ways to improve the 
record based on the respect for the human rights as a universal value. Also, it will actively exert efforts to 
strengthen international cooperation in promoting human rights as a member of the Council.

                                                           Spokesperson of MOFAT

* unofficial translation