Topic: 2025 – Treatment of Prisoners
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Kailani Gardner
Human Rights Committee
Treatment of Prisoners
Republic of Korea
Kailani Gardner
City High Middle
The Republic of Korea recognizes that humane treatment of prisoners is essential to upholding human rights, a representative government, and the preservation of justice. The Republic of Korea recognizes its responsibility to uphold fair and humane treatment of all prisoners within its correctional facilities. Given this, it also acknowledges areas for improvement within its own facilities, such as overcrowding, healthcare, and phsycological assistance. The Republic of Korea continues to work towards fair and just treatment of prisoners, emphaising the impact it has on a humanitarian level. The ROK notes the Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners, and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Prisoners, encouraging emphasis on the precedent they set in terms of equitable conditions and standards for human dignity in punishments of prisoners. With this in mind, Korea emphasizes that prison reform is essential for not only meeting international standards but also for promoting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and human rights.
The Republic of Korea has executed various measures to improve the treatment of prisoners in its correctional facilities. The ROK has implemented reform for social reintigration and fair treatment of all persons, such as the “Administration and Treatment of Correctional Institution Inmates Act”, prohibiting discrimination based on age, sex, religion, or any other factors. The act also creates a framework for social reintgration and focuses on reduction of recidivism. Acts such as this enforce and uphold equality and provide opportunity for all prisoners to succeed after social reintegration. ROK further commits itself to fair treatment of prisoners and rehabilitation with its “Narcotics Control Act” of 2019, ensuring all prisoners with a drug charge participate in rehabilitation education programs. This program further attempts to reduce recidivism and prioritizes that each prisoner is given the opportunity to succeed after social reintegration. These initiatives reflect the Republic of Korea’s broader commitment to ensuring just and fair treatment for all prisoners.
The Republic of Korea supports fair treatment of prisoners and recommends international cooperation and collaberation to achieve a bettered global standard for treatment of prisoners. First, Korea supports enabling member states to share best practices and improve data transparency. The ROK emphasizes the importance of social reintegration, advocating shares of best practices in programs and shared standards for rehabilitation. Furthermore, the Republic of Korea encourages investment in mental health and standard healthcare services, including training for correctional staff in trauma-informed care and emphasis on adequate medical staffing. Finally, Korea suggests increased global cooperation to combat issues of overcrowding, and humane treatment standards consistent with the precident set by the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. The Republic of Korea suggests increased funding to reduce the pressing issue of overcrowding. By doing this, the UN can ensure fair human standards for all prisoners, working towards a better future for all.
Works Cited:
“2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: South Korea.” U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, www.state.gov/reports/2020-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/south-korea#:~:text=In%20response%20to%20concerns%20raised,cases%20of%20human%20rights%20violations. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
“ACT ON EXECUTION OF SENTENCES AND TREATMENT OF INMATES.” Statutes of the Republic of Korea, elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_mobile/viewer.do?hseq=51390&type=new&key=#:~:text=Inmates%20shall%2C%20without%20reasonable%20grounds,shall%20include%20the%20following%20matters: Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
“NARCOTICS CONTROL ACT.” Narcotics Control Act, elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_service/lawView.do?hseq=68838&lang=ENG#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20this%20Act,(c). Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
“The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.” United Nations, www.unodc.org/documents/justice-and-prison-reform/Nelson_Mandela_Rules-E-ebook.pdf. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
