A/HRC/22/10
20.
The supply of rental housing for those in the lower income bracket had been
reinforced. Improvements to the programme for residential environment development had
been promoted to guarantee the right to adequate housing.
21.
There had been a gradual expansion of the protection of social security, with the
recent revision of the National Basic Livelihood Security System to accommodate the
minimum cost of living and the lowering of eligibility conditions for benefits to allow more
people in vulnerable groups to receive benefits.
22.
The coverage of the universal national medical health insurance had been steadily
expanded. For some patients, such as those with rare and incurable diseases, the co-pay rate
had been reduced. The Republic of Korea was making continuous efforts to provide
medical services to as many people as possible by reducing the burden on patients for the
cost of medical care needed in cases of rare and incurable diseases and by providing
medical support for foreigners and their families.
23.
With the rapidly aging population in mind, the Government had introduced longterm care insurance systems in 2008 in order to relieve the burdens on families caring for
the elderly, and had also taken measures for patients with dementia.
24.
The Government had established and promoted the Framework Policy on
Immigration, which would be evaluated every five years, to facilitate more comprehensive
migrant policies. The second plan, to be initiated in 2013, was aimed at expanding
comprehensive services for immigrants to assist with their adjustment in society and to
support education for migrant children.
25.
Foreign workers who entered the country through the Employment Permit System
were afforded the same protections as citizens under various labour-related laws. Many
services were provided to migrant workers, such as interpretation, counseling and medical
services. Female migrant workers were guaranteed equal access to the maternity protection
system in accordance with labour standards. In cases where women migrants were involved
in the process of legal proceedings for human rights violations, even if the person was an
illegal resident, deportation would be delayed and a special stay permitted.
26.
The Republic of Korea was proud that it had become a model case, as it had
transformed from aid beneficiary to aid donor, and was committed to increasing its official
development aid volumes. In 2010, the Framework Act on International Development
Cooperation had been enacted and the Government intended to consider human rights
principles in the planning and carrying out of development projects.
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
27.
During the interactive dialogue, 65 delegations made statements. Recommendations
made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.
28.
Botswana commended the Republic of Korea for developments since its first review
and referred to the withdrawal of reservations under article 9 of CRC and the development
of policies in favour of persons with disabilities. It noted concerns raised by the Committee
on the Rights of the Child over multiple forms of discrimination against children. Botswana
made recommendations.
29.
Brazil noted the accession by the Republic of Korea to CRPD and the enactment of
legislation and policies to support persons with disabilities. Brazil raised concerns over
reports of social stigma and hardship faced by single mothers, which may lead mothers to
relinquish their children. It hoped that the enactment of the 2011 Special Adoption Act
would improve that situation. Brazil made recommendations.
5
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