This report examines a number of fundamental human rights in relation to domestic law and practice in South Korea. It discusses the National Security Law and the provisions in the law which may lead to human rights violations. It emphasises the need for practical measures to safeguard prisoners’ rights and protect them from torture and ill-treatment and comments on the lack of an effective remedy for the victims of human rights violations. The report concludes that there is an urgent need for human rights reform in South Korea. The National Security Law should be amended so that it is no longer used to detain people for the non-violent exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and association. Safeguards to protect detainees from torture and ill-treatment are needed and victims of human rights violations should be given rights of redress.
