The National Human Rights Commission of Korea has determined that putting up specific warning posts about homeless people inside and outside subway stations is a violation of the homeless people's personal rights.
In January, warning signs were posted on the inside and outside of a subway station in Seoul stating 'If you find a homeless person urinating in an elevator, report it to the station office'.
Also, in October of last year, a notice was posted on a damaged TV screen in a waiting room at a train station in Seoul saying, 'A homeless person is claiming compensation for intentional damage.'
In response, a homeless human rights group filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, arguing that these posts promote contempt and hatred of the homeless.
Although the prohibition of excretion on the street or damage to facilities is equally applicable to all citizens, the Human Rights Commission judged that specifying the subject as a 'homeless person' in a post violated the moral rights of the homeless.
He then pointed out that attaching such a post to a history passed by many citizens is an act that can deepen social prejudice and discrimination against the homeless.
The Human Rights Commission recommended that the president of the Korea Railroad Corporation and the president of the Seoul Transportation Corporation provide job training to the station staff and spread the case to affiliated organizations.
(Photo source: Homeless Action Facebook)