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Recommendation on Accession to International Conventions [2003] KRNHRC 53 (8 December 2003)

On December 8, 2003, The Commission issued an recommendation to the
government to accede to `Optional Protocol to the Convention on the
Elimination of Discrimination against Women,' `Optional Protocol to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in
Armed Conflict' and `Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.'
The `Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of
Discrimination against Women' stipulates that individual communications
procedure for victims of a violation of any of the rights in order for women
to fully and equally enjoy human rights and basic freedom. It promotes remedy
of rights of women throughout the world.

The `Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the
Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict' under the `Convention on the
Rights of the Child' prohibits enlistment of children under 18 years old, except
for voluntary enlistment. However, Korean Military Service Law does not
stipulate requirements for voluntary enlistment of children, though it satisfies
the standard for age under the Protocol. Thus, the law should include
provisions on requirements. The `Optional Protocol to the Convention on the
Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution, and Child
Pornography' stipulates that crimes relating to sexual exploitation of children
and child pornography constitute crimes stipulated by the Extradition Treaty.

When Korea accedes to these international conventions and the protocols to
these conventions, protective measures for women and children, who need
special protection, will be strengthened, and those rights recognized in these
conventions will be realized in Korea. Accession to these optional protocols
will also let the international community know that the Korean government is
making full efforts to observe international standards.