ㅇ Korea’s development into a full-fledged democracy and major economic powerhouse, all within 50 years since the end of the Korean War, is indeed an exemplary case. Korea certainly experienced its share of suffering under authoritarian regimes in the past. Still, its course of development serves as a powerful lesson and reminder to the international community that economic growth and the principles of democracy and human rights are not conflicting, but rather, complementary.

ㅇ During the 5-year term from February 1998 to February 2003, the Administration of President Kim Dae-jung took important steps towards democratization and human rights improvement, by releasing so-called "unconverted long-term prisoners," establishing the National Human Rights Commission, legalizing teachers‘ unions, and allowing trade unions to participate in politics. These efforts were met with positive response by the international community.

ㅇ The "Participatory Government" of President Roh Moo-hyun, inaugurated in February 2003, has accelerated the former government's drive for democratization and human rights improvement with the encouragement of people's active participation in public decision-making. The Participatory Government vigorously pursues, as one of twelve national policy goals, the realization of national harmony and gender equality by eliminating discrimination against women, the handicapped, people with low educational background, temporary job holders, and foreign workers. The national policy goal also includes narrowing the gap between the haves and have-nots, strengthening gender equal policies, and enhancing female representation in economic and political affairs.

ㅇ As a concrete step to enhance the protection and promotion of human rights and increase public awareness of human rights in Korea, the  National Human Rights Commission was established in November 2001. The Commission has a mandate to investigate and remedy human rights violations, to educate and publicize human rights, carry out research, and to recommend legislative, institutional, or policy changes relating to human rights. The commission has contributed greatly to the enhancement of human rights protection and is also in the process of drafting the proposal of a 'National Human Rights Plan of Action (NAP)' for the period of 2007-2011, which is expected to come out at the end of the year 2006, in accordance with the recommendation of the UN.