Looking back at the last century, no one would be free from multiple and complex impulses of emotions. The comprehensive ramshackle of the last days of the Chosun Kingdom gave way to the nightmare of the colonial domination by Japan. The next chapters were filled with tattered stories of suffering and despair, from the cataclysm of national division, war, poverty, Cold War oppression, and elongated military dictatorship. However, we have, ever since the April 19 Student Revolution of 1960, succeeded in achieving accelerated and sustained economic growth and democratization, at a speed quite unprecedented in world history.

A similar experience is found in the realm of human rights. In the past, Korea was deemed to be a model state of human right violation. But, since 1987, we have witnessed an impressive record of enhancement in human rights. Of course, it is true, as pointed out by many, that there is, still, a long way to go. However, a sea change has taken place: the expansion of political and civil freedom, the establishment of social safety net, the participation of women, the promotion of rights of the various marginalised segments of the society, and truth-seeking endeavours into the human rights violations perpetrated by the State power.

One most important achievement we should hold with care and pride is the fact that political democratisation has brought about peaceful transfer of power, thrusting our country into a model ¡°human rights state¡± in Asia. This is an important asset as we mark our place in the international community.

The Korea Human Right Foundation was established in 1999 with these historic changes as a background. It has carried out many worthwhile projects since its first days. The Foundation is ready to turn a new leaf with the launching a new Board of Directors in November 2005.

The Korea Human Rights Foundation hopes to dedicate its energies in fostering human rights specialists equipped with international perspective, survey-research for human rights improvement, promoting dialogue in human rights studies, through seminars and publication, developing human rights education modules that cultivate human rights sensibilities in everyday life of ordinary people, and in international cooperation, especially in the area of sharing experiences for promotion of human rights in various Asian countries in the spirit of solidarity, which would contribute to enhancing the contry¡¯s standing of the Republic of Korea.

These are activities which we are obliged to undertake - a work which would be imbued with the self-esteem and pride of average citizen who make up the Republic of Korea.

A dream of a society where human rights beems on every people¡¯s face like a smile -it will come true with your unchanging and unceasing concern and encouragement, and boundless support. Thank you.