Human Rights Institutionalization at the Local Level: A Case Study of Sub-National Human Rights Commissions in Korea

Abstract

Over the past decade, all upper-level (regional) Korean sub-national governments and a large number of lower-level (municipal) governments have passed ordinances mandating the establishment of local human rights commissions. Many of these commissions have now been set up and operating for several years. In this case study, we critically examine the development and work of these commissions, with a particular focus on five aspects: personnel; functions; norms; level of activity, and relationships with other relevant actors. In each of these areas, we examine the choices made and the major challenges faced, and contextualize within the standards established for national human rights institutions and experiences in other jurisdictions. The case study will be based on examination of a mix of primary source documents and secondary Korean-language research on the topic, supplemented by interview and questionnaire responses from practitioners active in the field.