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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Human Rights Commission urges hate-speech-free local elections in South Korea

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • South Korea's National Human Rights Commission has urged for a local election free from hate speech, calling for monitoring and immediate corrective actions.
  • The commission cited a study revealing that gender-based hate and candidate vilification were the most prevalent forms of hate speech during the previous presidential election.
  • It called on political parties, candidates, election officials, and media to uphold democratic values and respect diversity during the election campaign.

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has issued a strong appeal for a local election campaign devoid of hate speech, emphasizing the need for vigilance and swift intervention against discriminatory remarks. As the June 3rd local elections and supplementary parliamentary by-elections approach, the NHRCK is urging all stakeholders—political parties, candidates, election officials, and the media—to actively prevent the spread of hateful rhetoric.

We ask that all political parties, candidates, election officials, and citizens refrain from hate speech during the election process and work together to realize the basic values of democracy, such as diversity and respect for human rights in our society.

· National Human Rights CommissionThe commission's appeal for a hate-speech-free election campaign.

This call to action stems from the NHRCK's analysis of hate and discrimination during the 21st presidential election, which found that gender-based hate and the denigration of candidates were the most frequently observed issues. The commission highlighted that such expressions not only violate human rights but also distort public discourse, undermine democracy, and can escalate into further discrimination and violence. The NHRCK stressed the importance of fostering an inclusive society where diversity is respected.

Hate speech not only infringes on human rights but also distorts the public sphere, undermines democracy, hinders integration into an inclusive society, and can be an initial stage and pathway to discrimination or violence.

· National Human Rights CommissionThe commission's explanation of the detrimental effects of hate speech.

In its statement, the NHRCK implored political entities to refrain from personal attacks, defamation, and the propagation of prejudice against marginalized groups. It also tasked the National Election Commission with promptly addressing any instances of hate speech and called upon media organizations to provide accurate, unbiased information while avoiding sensationalizing hateful content. Local governments were also urged to monitor and manage advertising content that violates laws against racial or gender discrimination. The NHRCK has pledged to conduct its own monitoring throughout the election period to combat hate speech effectively.

We will conduct monitoring of media outlets during this election period and strive to eradicate hate speech.

· National Human Rights CommissionThe commission's commitment to actively monitor and combat hate speech during the elections.
About this summary

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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