A/HRC/8/40 Page 13 54. The Republic of Korea indicated that the Government takes recommendations made by the NHRCK very seriously, while acknowledging that some recommendations cannot be implemented in reality on a short-term basis. As of late 2007, 67 per cent of recommendations made by the NHRCK related to human rights policies, legislation, mechanisms and practices and 87 per cent related to human rights violations and discrimination were accepted. 55. On the issue of aging and the low birth rates, the Republic of Korea, in order to prevent related problems, has come up with a comprehensive plan under which women who give birth and newborn babies receive support from various services. Older persons above the age of 65 have a basic old age pension and a long-term protection and medical treatment and also other job opportunities. Furthermore, subsidies and services are provided to for single-parent families and families in which children are living with their grandparents as well. 56. Regarding the questions on the social safety net, the Government has expanded its public assistance since the financial crisis that affected Korea, and has enhanced the national social pension scheme and health insurance system for the society at large, in particular for vulnerable groups. The Republic of Korea provides financial support as well as other programmes to ensure the independence of vulnerable persons. 57. On the protection of female migrants, the delegation reiterated its commitments to improving their situation. The Republic of Korea legislated the Act on Multi-Cultural Families Support in March 2008 under which the Government will provide various services such as counseling and education. 58. Regarding the issue of corporal punishment of children in the home, it is important to reflect the views of various sectors of society in order to amend legislation. Since 2007, the Republic of Korea has designated some pilot schools where corporal punishment is not practiced and alternative measures for student discipline in this regard are provided. 59. The Republic of Korea announced a new programme to give conscientious objectors the opportunity to participate in alternative in civilian service, in September 2007. For the implementation of the new system, the Government has to revise the Military Service Act, and considers submitting a revised Act to the National Assembly this year. 60. Reference was also made to the Ministry of Gender Equality, established in 2001. The Ministry grew and later incorporated Family Affairs in 2005. With the new Government that took office this year the Ministry was again reorganized. The Ministry is still active in promoting the rights of women and incorporating a gender perspective into all public policies. In connection with the issue of stereotypes, and questions of differences between of men and women, CEDAW in 2007 recognized efforts and progress made by the Republic of Korea in this area. However, due to the Confucian tradition, stereotypes still exist. In an effort to change stereotypes of women and promote gender equality, the Korean Institute for Gender Equality Promotion and Education was established in 2003 under the Ministry of Gender Equality. The Institute provides specialized training to better understand the issue of gender equality to general public and civil servants. The question of migrant women is an issue of considerable importance for the Republic of Korea and with a view to protecting migrant women’s human rights, the Government operates shelters, one-stop service centres with interpretation services, for migrant women victims of domestic violence. 61. Regarding the issue of discrimination against persons with disabilities, the Republic of Korea at present is envisaging ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Act on Anti-Discrimination Against and Remedies for Persons with Disabilities came into