Response from Asia Pacific Forum - International Gay and Lesbian

9th April 2015
Professor Byung-Chul Hyun,
Chairperson
National Human Rights Commission of Korea
Gumsegi Building, No. 16, Ulgiro 1-ga, Jung-gu
Seoul
Republic of Korea
Dear Professor Byung-Chul Hyun,
It has recently been reported through several online outlets (koreabridge.net and iglhrc.org) that
the National Human Rights Commission of Korea recently hosted an event aimed at promoting
‘gay conversion’. The news reports state that the event occurred on the 19th March 2015 and was
attended by the groups ‘Holy Life’, ‘Citizens for a Healthy Society’ and ‘the Chosen People
Network’.
As you know we were extremely pleased to have the Korean Commission (represented by Mr
Choe Jun Soek) participate at the APF/UNDP Workshop on the Role of NHRIs in Promoting and
Protecting the Rights and Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI)
peoples held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 25th to 25th February 2015
(http://www.asiapacificforum.net/support/issues/sexual-orientation). The Workshop, attended
by 16 APF members, representatives of UN agencies and civil society, developed a Programme of
Action and Support that I have included for your information and reference. I’d like to highlight
some of the recommended action points that you may also find useful in relation to how NHRIs
can assist support people of diverse sexuality:
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Build the capacity of NHRIs (members and staff) in central and regional offices to provide
an accessible and safe space for people of diverse SOGI, where their rights are protected
and promoted.
Ensure visibility and explicit inclusion of SOGI in internal strategic planning processes.
Provide a platform for persons of diverse SOGI to engage in dialogue with all relevant
groups including parliamentarians, the judiciary, security/law enforcement sector,
medical practitioners and community and religious leaders.
Promote greater understanding between people of diverse SOGI, their families and the
wider community.
Advocate for change in the attitudes/behaviours of policymakers, law enforcement
officials and society towards people of diverse SOGI.
You will be pleased to learn that the APF will be developing a blended learning training program
on the role of NHRIs in promoting and protecting the rights of LGBTI next year. We will be seeking
contributions from our members, including the Korean Commission, on challenges, successes and
lessons learned. We believe this practical support will assist our members’ capacity to understand
the often complex and sensitive issues that pertain to this area of human rights.
If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this letter, including the recommended
actions set out in the Programme of Action and Support, please contact our Gender Focal Point
and Deputy Director, Ms Pip Dargan on [email protected].
We look forward to our continued and valued cooperation and we stand ready to assist should
your Commission request it.
Yours sincerely,
Kieren Fitzpatrick
Director
Attachment: Programme of Action and Support: The Role of NHRIs in Promoting and Protecting
Human Rights in Relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity including Health Rights in Asia
and the Pacific.