South Korea

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Overview

Peaceful protests by disability rights activists were criminalized and protesters were sentenced to imprisonment. A court ruling found requirements for the submission of advance notice for assemblies to be excessive. The declaration of martial law in late 2024 was ruled unconstitutional. The government’s greenhouse gas reduction target remained inadequate, but a new ministry was established with an expanded mandate to address the country’s climate crisis. A legislative amendment was adopted to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence, but enforcement and accountability remained lacking. A bill was proposed to decriminalize abortion. Conscientious objectors were subject to a disproportionate duration of alternative service. LGBTI people faced barriers to legal gender recognition. Migrants and ethnic groups, especially those of Chinese background, faced discrimination.

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Death Penalty status

Abolitionist in practice

Retains the death penalty in law, but hasn’t executed for at least 10 years

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