|
포럼-아시아에서 1월 22일 대추리 투쟁에 대한 연대의 성명을 발표하였습니다.
한국정부는 UN의 인권협약 등을 성실하게 이행할 것과 더이상 대추리 주민들의 인권을 침해하지 말것을 요구하는 성명을 발표하였습니다.
포럼-아시아는 작년 12월에 대추리를 방문하여, 인권보고서를 작성하였습니다.
[PRESS STATEMENT]
Appeal for Respect of Human Rights Defenders in Daechuri, Korea
22nd January 2007
FORUM-ASIA welcomes the release of Human Rights Defender of Daechuri Village and Prisoner of Conscience, Kim Ji Tae on December 28, 2006. Kim Ji Tae was called in for questioning by the Pyungtaek Police on June 6, 2006 after having spearheaded the ongoing call to protect the rights of the farmers and villagers in Daechuri. Although Kim had voluntarily walked into the Police Station on that very day, he was never released and was instead jailed for charges of inciting violence. Despite his release, however, we strongly assert that Kim's release does not negate the fact that the Police has failed in their obligation to protect Kim as a Human Rights Defender. Furthermore, the fact that Kim was released on bail only exacerbates the injustice perpetrated by the government as the charges against him still remain and can be used by prosecutors to continue and demoralize and intimidate both Human Rights Defenders and Daechuri residents.
FORUM-ASIA has been closely monitoring the work of Human Rights Defenders in Daechuri, having issued a Letter to the President of South Korea, calling for the immediate release of two detained Human Rights Defenders arrested in March 2006 and a statement in May 2006, condemning the use of state violence during peaceful protests in the village. The Human Rights Defenders Programme has also continuously participated in solidarity activities urging for the immediate release of Kim Ji Tae through a visit to the village of Daechuri. Since then, however, the situation of Human Rights Defenders of Daechuri has only deteriorated. We remind the government that freedom of expression and the promotion and protection of rights are inherent and inalienable human rights of all people, not only enshrined under South Korea’s Constitution but also in the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), both to which South Korea is a party to. The Declaration and Covenant guarantee the right of all persons to participate in peaceful activities against violations of human rights, as well as the right to freedom of assembly and expression. As a member of the Human Rights Council and country to which the UN Secretary-General is from, South Korea must be at the forefront of protecting the fundamental freedoms, the legitimate and guaranteed work of Human Rights Defenders and must demonstrate its commitment to implementing their international human rights obligations.
We call on the government to not only immediately drop all charges against Kim Ji Tae but to protect and support the ongoing peaceful protests and peace activities carried out by residents and Human Rights Defenders concerned about the deprivation of the livelihood of the people in Daechuri. Municipal authorities, the Government, and the Ministry of Defense have dispatched military personnel to hinder NGOs from assisting villagers and communicating with them. The military has already destroyed the personal belongings of Human Rights Defenders and has cut off electric supply to force them out of the village.
We urge the government to foster an atmosphere conducive to constructive dialogue with Human Rights Defenders and allow Human Rights Defenders to offer protection to the villagers affected, and finally, put an end to the use of violence and police intimidation against Human Rights Defenders.
Anselmo Lee
Executive Director
|
