SOUTH KOREA

Labor Rights Violations Under Democratic Rule
Since the end of 30 years of military dictatorship and the election in 1992 of the country’s first civilian president in three decades, the Republic of Korea is a more open country with a government that pledges respect for international human rights. Nevertheless, it has not lived up to its pledges. Key laws that suppressed human rights in the country during the decades of military rule have not been changed, and Pres. Kim Young-Sam used them against political opponents and labor activists. It is still legal in South Korea for the security forces to carry out arbitrary arrests and detentions, and for the government to suppress free association, expression and assembly for workers and other dissidents.
(C714) 11/95, 31 pp., $5.00/£2.95
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(C217) The Plantados of Asia: "Non-Converted" Political Prisoners, 12/90, 15 pp., $3.00/£1.95

RETREAT FROM REFORM
Labor Rights and Freedom of Expression in South Korea
Despite the South Korean government’s June 1987 promise of reforms, there is a wide disparity between the rhetoric of democracy achieved and the reality of the retreat from reform. The government of President Roh Tae-Woo has failed to deliver on promises of reform in two key areas: worker rights and freedom of expression. It continues to violate the workers’ right to elect their own leaders and take collective actions; riot police are frequently used to break up strikes and workers’ rallies. The government regularly employs the National Security Law to arrest its critics and advocates of unification with North Korea; publishing houses are raided and "objectionable” materials confiscated; writers, publishers and editors are rounded up; and military and civilian security agencies engage in domestic surveillance.
(756) 11/90, 160 pp., ISBN 0-929692-75-6, $15.00/£12.95
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