In well-developed countries, numerous foundations are supporting research and activities to Protect and promote human rights. These foundations have contributed to human rights and democratic development in the societies where they are based and have led to the emergence of a number of scholars, activists and educators who are committed to improving the human condition. Although Korea has recently made a progress toward democracy, the foundation believes that there are still many areas where it can provide significant contributions. The foundation plans to adopt a role similar to its foreign counterparts, to make consistent, formidable progress in the human rights area. Activities of the Korea Human Rights Foundation will be expanded to the Asia Pacific region for the purpose of transforming it into a rights-protective one. Below are listed a few areas where the Foundation is focusing:

Supporting and promoting research and dialogue with regards to human rights

Seminars

The Foundation provides various forums by holding or supporting conferences and seminars to assess and discuss current issues relating to human rights. Its first conference was held in February this year in Cheju Island, with 100 human rights activists and academics participating. The main topic of the first annual conference was human rights in everyday life and specific topics included: governmental authority and freedom; the peace movement and human rights; human rights during the war; human rights in family law; sexual violence in schools; women's rights in family construction; the new information society and human rights; national human rights commission; human rights of people in poverty; human rights of minorities including the gay and lesbian community, and Confucianism and human rights.

Information

Given that accurate information is a precondition for the effective protection of human rights, one of the primary roles of the Korea Human Rights Foundation is to serve the information needs of academics, human rights activists, and the general public through an extensive documentation center and computerized database. The organization will also publish journals and books on human rights, support research and translations of academic publications. This material will contribute to guiding public attention toward the importance of human rights in general, stimulate continued dialogue among different groups and sectors of society, and will ultimately lead to the greater development of human rights culture.

Fostering the next generation's desire and ability to serve the public interest

The Korea Human Rights Foundation will encourage young people to be more concerned about others in need, and to actively participate in protecting human rights and construction of a rights-protective society. It plans to provide domestic and overseas training and educational programs for students and activists in the fields of human rights. This program is expected to contribute to the sharing and exchange of knowledge and experience between various societies in the Asia Pacific region.

Encouraging and supporting individuals and organizations that put the greater social interest before their own

The democratic development of Korean society to its current level can be attributed mainly to the dedication and sacrifice of people and organizations that have put the public interest before their own. Financial insecurity of these organizations, however, has become a barrier to furthering their members' efforts in protecting and developing human rights values. The Korea Human Rights Foundation would like to encourage these people and organizations in Korea and the Asia Pacific region by providing financial support.