A/HRC/29/46/Add.1
inspection by officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans of vessels on which
foreign seafarers are employed; establish a reporting mechanism for foreign seafarers
to register violations and abuse by their employer and co-workers from the Republic
of Korea, accessible in their languages; and take rapid action, including appropriate
sanctions when such violations are found.
On marriage migrants and multicultural families
72.
The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government grant equal rights,
in the case of separation or divorce, to migrant women married to men who are
nationals of the Republic of Korea, including with regard to stability of residency,
notwithstanding the outcome or duration of the marriage and whether or not any
children were born from the union. The Special Rapporteur also recommends that the
Government work towards ending the practice of requiring men who are nationals of
the Republic of Korea and who wish to marry women from certain countries to
undergo the international marriage orientation programme; ensure that international
marriage agencies whose staff exhibit racism and sexism are properly sanctioned; and
conduct a wide-ranging public awareness campaign to end racism and xenophobia
concerning international marriages, including redefining the concept of multicultural
families and recognizing the benefits they bring to society.
73.
The Special Rapporteur also recommends that the Government ensure that
foreign women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, trafficking or other
forms of violence be informed of their rights and given proper access to justice.
Women victims of violence should be given the right to legally remain in the country if
they so wish.
74.
The Special Rapporteur also recommends that the Government broaden the
definition of multicultural families to include unions between foreigners or interethnic unions in order to integrate those who are presently excluded from the social
benefits provided for under the Multicultural Families Support Act.
75.
The Special Rapporteur also recommends that the authorities revise the school
curriculum in order to raise awareness and promote acceptance of multiculturalism
and the contribution of migrants to society from an early age. The Special Rapporteur
recalls that education is fundamental in combating racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance and in promoting the principles of tolerance and
respect to ethnic, religious and cultural diversity.
On racism and xenophobic discourse promoted by private actors
76.
The Special Rapporteur calls upon the Government to strengthen mechanisms
for preventing and eliminating xenophobic discourse against foreigners, migrants and
multicultural families, including among politicians and political leaders. That
phenomenon should be tackled at all levels, including at the national, regional and
local levels. The Special Rapporteur recalls that leaders have a responsibility to
strongly denounce such discourse, including when it comes from within their own
ranks. In particular, politicians from mainstream political parties should avoid
xenophobic discourse and the scapegoating of foreigners, migrant workers and
multicultural families, and promptly denounce false allegations, especially those
concerning social benefits and programmes supporting the integration of migrants
and multicultural families and children. The Special Rapporteur also recommends
collecting disaggregated data and statistics on the number of cases of racism and
xenophobia reported to the authorities, including the percentage of investigations and
prosecutions undertaken following such complaints and their outcome.
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