The EU Delegation to the Republic of Korea and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Seoul Mark International Human Rights Day with High-Level Dialogue and Civil Society Voices

The 2025 International Human Rights Day event, hosted by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea, with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Seoul (OHCHR Seoul), took place under the theme "Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials."

Held at the Jeongdong 1928 Art Center, the event brought together more than 120 participants from over 15 countries, including students, academics, civil society organisations, human rights activists, media representatives, and members of the general public. The diverse audience reflected the growing engagement across Korean society and the international community on issues of equality, inclusion, and human dignity.

In his opening remarks, Roland Honekamp, Deputy Head of Mission of the European Union to the Republic of Korea, highlighted that human rights - including freedom, equality, justice, and dignity - are everyday liberties rather than abstract ideals. He noted that these values are central to the European Union's identity and underpin its policies at home and abroad, and reaffirmed the strong EU-Republic of Korea partnership, rooted in shared democratic values and cooperation on issues such as gender equality, digital rights, and the protection of vulnerable groups. He cautioned that globally, human rights face mounting challenges amid democratic backsliding, disinformation, inequality, and conflict.

The core of the event focused on substantive panel discussions that brought policy debates closer to lived realities. The first panel, "Equality and Inclusion in the Republic of Korea," featured representatives from Human Asia, the Seoul Queer Culture Festival Organizing Committee, the Gender Equality Training Platform, and OpenNet. Drawing on their respective fields - from regional human rights cooperation and gender education to LGBTQ+ visibility and digital freedoms - panelists examined the challenges facing marginalized communities in Korea and the importance of safeguarding civic space in times of social and political uncertainty.

Discussions addressed persistent gaps in non-discrimination protections, growing polarization, and the impact of digital technologies on freedom of expression and privacy. Panelists also emphasized the critical role of education, youth engagement, and cross-sector cooperation in building a more inclusive society.

The second panel, "Our Essentials, Our Right: Voices on the DPRK," featured testimonies from former citizens of the DPRKs, who reflected on how human rights are essential to realizing our everyday necessities such as access to food, freedom of expression, freedom of movement, the ability to stay connected with family members, and opportunities for artistic creation. Panelists also highlighted the grave human rights situation in the DPRK and underscored the importance of international advocacy and solidarity.

The event concluded with a networking reception and a "Meet the Activists" showcase, allowing participants to engage directly with civil society organisations and continue conversations in an informal setting.

By centering civil society voices and public participation, the International Human Rights Day 2025 event reaffirmed the shared commitment of the European Union and the United Nations to advancing human rights as a lived reality and an everyday essential in the Republic of Korea and beyond.