Human Rights Watch has reached out to South Korea’s presidential candidates with a comprehensive questionnaire addressing key human rights issues. The organization, known for its global advocacy efforts, is targeting the Democratic Party of Korea, the New Reform Party, and People Power Party in this initiative.
The questionnaire seeks to highlight candidates’ positions on a range of topics affecting both South Koreans and North Koreans. Lina Yoon, Senior Korea Researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the importance of these issues during the campaign period. “To ensure that human rights issues and concerns receive the attention they deserve in the presidential election campaign, we are submitting the following 16 questions,” she stated.
Among the pressing topics addressed are emergency powers, freedom of expression, media freedom, and gender-based violence. For instance, candidates are asked about their stance on former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declaration of martial law in December 2024 and their views on legal reforms related to emergency powers.
The questionnaire also probes into South Korea’s economic challenges. It asks candidates to identify drivers behind rising economic insecurity and inequality and to propose measures addressing wages, taxation, housing affordability, and social security.
Another significant focus is on women’s rights. The questionnaire notes that “gender-based violence, including digital sex crimes against women and girls is pervasive in South Korea,” highlighting a dramatic increase in such crimes.
Furthermore, Human Rights Watch seeks candidates’ positions on a comprehensive anti-discrimination law covering various vulnerable groups. On LGBT rights, it questions Article 92-6 of the Military Criminal Act which criminalizes same-sex acts within military personnel.
The document delves into environmental concerns as well. It questions how future administrations plan to tackle carbon emissions after a court ruling found current targets inadequate.
Responses are requested by May 20, 2025. Yoon expressed hope that candidates would provide detailed perspectives for voters’ consideration: “We hope that you can complete this questionnaire in as much detail as possible.”
The responses will be published subsequently to inform voters ahead of the June election.
