International Human Rights Groups Call for Religious Freedom Reform in South Korea

A coalition of international human rights organizations, including Human Rights Without Frontiers and CAP Liberté de Conscience, recently held a press conference in Seoul to address systemic concerns regarding freedom of religion and expression. Experts highlighted the treatment of elderly religious leaders in pretrial detention, specifically questioning the proportionality and humanitarian standards applied to 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee. The coalition argued that current legal responses toward religious minorities often lack the neutrality required by international human rights obligations.

Beyond specific cases, the discussion emphasized a broader pattern of state-sanctioned pressure against diverse faiths, including the Family Federation and the Segero Church. The speakers noted that issues such as the punitive nature of alternative civilian service for conscientious objectors and public hostility toward mosque construction indicate a troubling trend. Experts warned that marginalizing religious groups undermines the core democratic principles of equality and fundamental rights for all citizens, regardless of their theological beliefs.

The organizations concluded by urging South Korean authorities to prioritize due process and adhere to international standards like the Mandela Rules. By calling for the immediate release of detained religious figures, the coalition aims to foster a more inclusive environment that protects the inalienable rights of all religious movements. The event serves as a critical appeal for the global community to hold governments accountable for upholding constitutional protections for their minority populations.