[imText1]The new Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea (NHRCK) for Korea, Professor Ahn Kyong Whan of Seoul National University said “We will take a responsive attitude on the issue of human rights in North Korea” and explained that active measures will be taken in regards to solving the issue.
In a telephone conversation with the DailyNK on the 30th, Professor Ahn said “As one man, the Chairman of NHRCK, I cannot simply sum up the issue of North Korea human rights. However, our stance on the issue will be disclosed once other commissioners have been consulted.”
Professor Ahn said “I am aware that NHRCK has been conducting researches for a while now in regards to the North Korea human rights issue” and revealed that “The commission will conduct in-depth discussions on how it will act regarding the issue.” Hence, the focus is now on which specific measures the commission will take in regards to the human rights in North Korea.
Regarding the severe conflict portrayed recently by human rights commissioners in response to the North Korea human rights issue, he said “I am not aware of the conflict that existed between previous human rights commissions, but am sure that a resolution can be made through talks.”
Ahn grew up in Milyang, South Kyungsang completing his studies at Busan High School and graduated from Seoul National University in law. He has taken the role of the 8th President for the Korean Constitutional Law Association, Dean for the College of Law at Seoul National University, and Vice President of the Korean Public Law Association amongst others. At present, Ahn is one of the policy-advisory committee members for NHRCK, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the S. Korean Modern History .
As an expert, Ahn’s abundant knowledge of constitutional law and Anglo-American law assists the government on political issues and has a clear stance on the actual issues within each society. He was once the Chairman of the Steering Committee, People’s Solidarity for the Participatory Democracy and last year May, was a running candidate for the election of President at Seoul National University.
Yoon Tae Young, a spokesperson of the Blue House said “The designate Chairman of NHRCK, Ahn has participated in various grassroots organizations, has spoken at many movements and in 2004, was on the advisory committee in preparation for the International Conference for National Human Rights Institutions. Through these various movements, he has proven to be a prominent expert on the issues of human rights.”
