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Universal Periodic Review 28: Republic of Korea

This UK statement was delivered during the 28th session of the Universal Period Review during the discussion of the Republic of Korea's Human Rights Record on 9 November 2017.

The Universal Periodic Review takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

The Universal Periodic Review takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

The UK welcomes the Republic of Korea’s ongoing commitment to human rights, and welcomes the endorsement of the UK Prime Minister’s Call to Action to end Forced Labour, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. We encourage the Government to take all necessary action to implement this commitment without delay.

We encourage further progress towards the abolition of the death penalty in the ROK and also urge further efforts to ensure legislation does not prevent the right to peaceful expression and assembly.

We also urge further legislation to protect LGBTI people as reports indicate that LGBTI people are not ordinarily afforded the same rights, protections and freedoms as everyone else, in both civilian and military fields.

We recommend:

  1. Take further action to end discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation in all fields, including in the military.

  2. Develop and implement a specific national action plan to support the Government’s efforts in tackling human trafficking and strengthening inter-agency coordination

  3. Adopt an open, merit-based selection process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body Elections.

Published 9 November 2017