AHN Kyung-Whan, Professor of Law, is coming back to school, vacating his position as the President of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea.

Ahn, known as the representative"defender of human rights" in Korea, has served as the President of the National Human Rights Commission since October 2006 and his term of office was expected to expire on October 29, 2009. He left four months before the end of his term, criticizing the Lee administration for the lack of consciousness regarding human rights.

In the farewell ceremony held at the Commission's office, Ahn said that"The current administration has turned the country into one inviting derision from the international community." He referenced the trials of reducing the Commission and turning it into a dependent organization under the president as examples.

Ahn said"I sincerely blame myself for the unfortunate state of affairs regarding human rights since this current administration’s inauguration, and am therefore leaving my position before the end of my term that is guaranteed by law with the hope that the successor can restore the honor of South Korea’s human rights."

Ahn argued,"The current administration has been engulfed by the notion that the Commission is part of the legacy of a left wing administration, and has not shown any intention of communicating nor any ability for improving human rights."

Ahn ended the farewell speech saying"While political power does not last, the pursuit for human rights is eternal."

Ahn resumes his professorship at 2009 fall semester. He will teach 'Human Rights Law' class to students at College of Law.

July 13, 2009
SNU PR Office