Human Rights Commission Urges Law for Korean War Abductee Compensation

South Korea's National Human Rights Commission has urged the National Assembly to expedite legislation for the compensation and support of individuals abducted to North Korea during the Korean War. The commission stated on June 9th that a law containing practical compensation and relief measures for these victims is urgently needed.

The commission views the wartime abductions as human rights violations where civilians were forcibly detained in North Korea without state protection, falling under the category of enforced disappearances according to international conventions. An estimated 96,456 people were abducted during the war, with 4,777 recognized by the Commission for Truth and Reconciliation on Abductions during the Korean War.

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The state has a constitutional responsibility to provide substantial relief measures commensurate with the nature and extent of the damage, as these victims suffered harm in a situation where the state's basic duty to protect the lives and safety of its citizens was not fulfilled.

"The state has a constitutional responsibility to provide substantial relief measures commensurate with the nature and extent of the damage, as these victims suffered harm in a situation where the state's basic duty to protect the lives and safety of its citizens was not fulfilled," the commission stated. It pointed out that while current laws focus on truth-finding and honor restoration, they lack provisions for substantial compensation and support, unlike systems in place for other victim groups such as those mobilized during the Japanese colonial era or victims of the Jeju April 3rd incident.

The commission recommended specific measures including the establishment of concrete compensation and support systems for consolation money, compensation, and medical aid, referencing relevant legislative precedents. It also called for clearly defining eligibility and criteria for payments, creating a body to review compensation levels, and ensuring swift compensation for the 4,777 recognized victims, considering their advanced age. Furthermore, it suggested a rational adjustment of the statute of limitations, acknowledging the unique circumstances of wartime abductees.

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The wartime abductions are human rights violations where civilians were forcibly detained in North Korea without state protection, falling under the category of enforced disappearances according to international conventions.