Home | Databases | WorldLII | Search | Feedback National Human Rights Commission of Korea - Complaint Summaries

Public Hearing on National Security Act [2004] KRNHRC 40 (20 May 2004)

On May 20, 2004, the Commission held a public hearing on the `National Security Act,
Issues and Alternatives'. The National Security Act has long been a major subject of
controversy, specifically as to whether or not it should be repealed or revised in part due
to possible human rights violations stemming from its application.

There was heated debate among various participants at the public hearing. Some insisted
that the National Security Act be revised in part to rectify problems that have emerged
rather than abolishing it completely. Others argued that the Act should be repealed completely,
claiming that it is seriously flawed and poses great risk of human rights violation.
More than one hundred representatives from civic groups participated in the debate.
Many believed that the National Security Act was essentially corrosive of human rights in
its application as well as outdated.