Mar 10 • 05:50 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

36 Human Rights Organizations Submit ‘Call for Ahn Chang-ho’s Resignation’ to the Human Rights Commission

Thirty-six human rights and civic organizations have called for the resignation of Ahn Chang-ho, the chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, citing his support for insurrection and failure to apologize after a guilty verdict was issued against a former president.

Thirty-six organizations formed an alliance, known as the Joint Action for Correcting the National Human Rights Commission, submitted a call for the resignation of Ahn Chang-ho, chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, on October 10th. During a press conference held in front of the Human Rights Commission’s building in Jung-gu, Seoul, the group criticized Ahn for leading the agenda that promoted support for insurrection and pushing through a vote without accountability. They stated that Ahn has shown no remorse even after a guilty verdict was rendered regarding insurrection charges against former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The continuation of Ahn’s leadership diminishes the credibility and value of the Human Rights Commission itself.

The Joint Action's criticism focuses on Ahn's decision to support an agenda that guaranteed defense rights for Yoon, which many view as endorsing insurrection and neglecting the human rights infringements experienced by citizens. Ahn, along with other commissioners, remains unrepentant despite being implicated in insurrection incitement and is currently under investigation by special prosecutors. This controversy raises significant ethical questions about the Human Rights Commission's function and the integrity of its leadership against the backdrop of ongoing public discontent.

Following the press conference, the coalition members proceeded to the 10th floor of the Human Rights Commission, delivering their petition for Ahn’s resignation, urging him to repent and step down in accordance with the demands of civil society. The National Public Workers’ Union previously made similar calls for Ahn’s resignation after the first trial verdict on insurrection charges against former President Yoon, emphasizing the disillusionment within the human rights community regarding leadership that aligns with insurrectionist forces.

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