[Invitation] International Conference to End the Forced Labor in the Salt Farms

International Conference on Ending Forced Labor in Korean Salt Farms

Towards the Eradication of Forced Labor of the People with Disabilities in Salt Farms, the Company's Supply Chain

Date: September 29th, 2022, 01:00 to 06:00 pm (UCT+9) 

Location: Zoom (Pre-registration required)

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uCPzZ4uXSiS0aQOqm9ODvw 

Host: MP Yoon Mee-hyang, MP Lee Eun-joo, National Human Rights Commission of Korea

Organized by: The Research Institute of the Differently Abled Person's Right, Law Firm Wongok, Advocates for Public Interest Law (APIL)

In 2021, several people with disabilities were rescued from salt farms located in Jeung-do, Shinan-gun after suffering years of severe labor exploitation. Among them were those who entered the salt farm on Shinan Shineui island, which attracted public attention 7 years ago. Forced labor on disabled persons at salt farms seemed to be ending in 2014 by the government's extensive joint investigation, yet seven years later, the problem has continued. 

Why is this pattern of abuse against people with disabilities constantly being reproduced in salt farms?  First, while being rescued, a substantial number of victims had no choice but to return to salt farms—the very sites of their abuse—because they did not have the means or support to settle elsewhere. Second, sentenced to only simple acts of exploitation, the perpetrators were lightly punished or avoided punishment. Third, large corporations, which benefit from salt thus produced and have a significant influence on the salt industry, have failed to fulfill their responsibilities to respect human rights in terms of human trafficking or forced labor of those with disabilities. 

Therefore, through this conference, we will try to find a way to eradicate forced labor in salt farms using three frameworks: protection of persons with disabilities who are victims of forced labor, punishment for human trafficking or forced labor, and corporate responsibility to respect human rights in the supply chain.

Program 

Opening Remarks

MP Youn Meehyang/ Independent)

MP Lee Eunju/ Justice Party)

Vice-chair Kim Mi-yeon/ the UN Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities)

Part I: Eradication of Forced Labor in Salt Farm and Self-Reliance of Victims with Disabilities (Chairman: Yeom Hyung-kuk/ National Human Rights Commission of Korea) 

*Discussion:

Seo Tae Joo/ Shinan-gun Sea Salt Division

Park Jong Gyun/ Disability Rights Support Division, Department of Health and Welfare

Jang Ok Jin/ Fishery Products Safety Division, National Fishery Products Quality Management Service headquarters

Part II: Eradication of Forced Labor in Salt Farm and Punishment of Perpetrators (Chairman: Choi Ka-Bin/ The Gyeonggi Research Institute of the Differently Abled Person's Right)

*Discussion:

Moon Young Sang/ Violent Crime Investigation Division, Jeonnamdo Police Agency

Choi Min Young/ Korea Institute of Criminology

Kim Cho Gyung/ Labor Inspection Planning Division, Ministry of Employment and Labor

Part III: Eradication of Forced Labor in Salt Farms and Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights (Chairman: Kim Doona/Korean Lawyers for Public Interest and Human Rights KLPH) 

*Discussion: 

Roh Hyang Mi/ Jeollanamdo Fisheries Distribution and Processing Division, 

Kim Tae Eun/ Discrimination Remedy Division, National Human Rights Commission of Korea, 

Shin Yu Jung/ LawFirm Jihyang