A nationwide integrated protection system has officially launched to swiftly respond to human rights violations against foreign workers and expatriates residing in South Korea.
The Ministry of Justice announced on August 2 that it held an inauguration ceremony for the 'Immigrant Human Rights Violation Investigation Task Force' on July 31 at the Government Complex in Gwacheon, attended by Minister Jeong Seong-ho and national officials.
The newly established task force provides a one-stop integrated protection system that covers everything from receiving reports of human rights violations against foreigners to on-site investigations and victim rights restoration.
The task force is overseen by the 'Immigrant Human Rights and Rights Team' within the Ministry of Justice's Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau and consists of 100 dedicated investigators stationed at 43 local immigration offices across the country. It operates as an integrated network with close coordination between the headquarters and local agencies.
Moving forward, the task force will carry out comprehensive tasks related to immigrant human rights, including preventing and promoting awareness of human rights violations, inspecting workplaces, preventing and investigating illegal brokers, conducting rapid on-site investigations, and supporting victims' rights restoration. Notably, investigators will respond immediately to reports of human rights violations, investigate the facts on-site, and collaborate with relevant agencies to assist victims in quickly recovering their rights.
In light of the recent record heatwaves caused by climate change, the task force will also promptly conduct on-site inspections.
The task force will focus on inspecting the conditions of foreign workers and seasonal workers in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, who are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. It will also conduct preventive education and guidance activities for employers and workers.
Accessibility for reporting violations has significantly improved. The Ministry of Justice has established a dedicated reporting number (1) for human rights violations at the Foreign Comprehensive Guidance Center (1345) within the Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau.
Additionally, to accommodate foreigners without domestic phone numbers who may find it difficult to report by phone, a reporting channel through social media has been created. The launch of this task force has streamlined the reporting process, ensuring it connects directly to effective on-site investigations and rights restoration.
During the inauguration ceremony, the 100 investigators were presented with 'task force badges,' and a 'human rights protection declaration' was read, emphasizing the commitment to respect immigrant rights and prioritize victims in investigations.
Minister Jeong Seong-ho, in his encouraging remarks, stated, "The launch of the Immigrant Human Rights Violation Investigation Task Force is not merely the establishment of a new organization but a strong government commitment to protect immigrant rights and elevate the overall human rights standards in our society. I urge the task force to fulfill its responsible role through a comprehensive protection system from reporting to rights restoration."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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