Article 1 (Purpose)

The purpose of this Act is to contribute to the embodiment of human dignity and worth as well as to the safeguard of the basic order of democracy, by establishing the National Human Rights Commission to ensure that inviolable, fundamental human rights of all individuals are protected and the standards of human rights are improved.

Article 2 (Definitions)

The definitions of terms used in this Act shall be as follows:

1. The term "human rights" means any of human dignity, worth, liberties and rights which are guaranteed by the Constitution and Acts of the Republic of Korea or recognized by international human rights treaties entered into and ratified by the Republic of Korea and international customary law;

2. The term "detention or protective facility" means a facility falling under any of the following items:

(a) Prison, prison for the youth, detention center and its branch, facility for probation, institute of forensic psychiatry, juvenile reformatory, and juvenile classification review board;

(b) Police station cell, and facility where a judicial police officer investigates, detains and impounds persons in order to perform his/her duties;

(c) Military prison (including its branch, detention house for the unconvicted, and military police guardhouse);

(d) House for protecting foreigners; and

(e) Protective facility for many persons; and

3. The term "protective facility for many persons" means a facility for detaining and caring for many persons，which is prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

Article 3 (Establishment and Independence of National Human Rights Commission)

(1) The National Human Rights Commission (hereinafter referred to the "Commission") shall be established to deal with affairs for the protection and promotion of human rights under this Act.

(2) The Commission independently deals with the matters which fall under its jurisdiction.

Article 4 (Scope of Application)

This Act shall apply to all citizens of the Republic of Korea and all foreigners residing therein.