국가인권위원회 (National Human Rights Commission of Korea)

Summary

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRC, 국가인권위원회) was established under Act No. 6481 of May 24, 2001. It consists of eleven commissioners: four selected by the National Assembly (including two standing commissioners), four nominated by the President (including one standing commissioner), and three nominated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; all are appointed by the President for renewable three-year terms. Removal requires criminal conviction or 2/3-vote of the full Commission for incapacity; the Commission is structurally independent of the executive. Under Articles 30–49 the NHRC investigates human rights violations by police, prosecutors, and correctional institutions and may conduct on-site inspections of correctional facilities, detention centers, and prisons without prior notice. It may request submission of records and documents (Article 25) but lacks subpoena or compelled-testimony authority; access is restricted when agencies invoke national security or personal privacy grounds. All recommendations are advisory; the NHRC cannot impose discipline or remove officers, but agencies must report back on measures taken. Annual and special reports are submitted to the President and National Assembly and published without pre-publication review.