"Protector of Hansen’s Disease Patients,"

ACRC Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan,

Visits Seongjawon in Andong to Hear Concerns

- Celebrating the 71st anniversary of Seongjawon in Andong with an on-site visit and meeting

- Review of implementation status for recommendations on settlement area improvements and gathering of on-site feedback

(17, October. 2024, ACRC)

On October 17, Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan visited Seongjawon, a Hansen’s disease care facility in Andong, to meet with officials from Seongjawon and Andong City. This visit included a comprehensive review of the progress made on ACRC’s recommendations from December 2021, which focused on strengthening rights protection and enhancing the environmental and welfare conditions of Hansen’s disease patient settlements. Updates were also shared on the mediation efforts underway since October 2023, and Chairperson Ryu engaged in a listening session to address residents’ concerns directly.

* Seongjawon, established in 1953, provides medical, social, economic, and psychological rehabilitation to Hansen’s disease patients and their families, who have long been marginalized in society.

** Gaemyeong Village in Andong, created in 1959, has faced significant challenges due to deteriorating infrastructure, with disused livestock sheds and 92 abandoned buildings, impacting both the landscape and residents’ health.

Following a nationwide study of 82 Hansen’s disease settlement areas, the ACRC, in December 2021, recommended action to 66 local governments—including Gyeongsangbuk-do and Andong City—and nine central agencies, such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. These recommendations aimed to protect the rights of Hansen’s disease patients and improve settlement conditions.

In November of last year, the ACRC facilitated an agreement with five care facilities, Cheongju City, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and other relevant bodies to ease admission standards and establish tailored criteria for Hansen’s disease care facilities. Since then, the ACRC has conducted multiple on-site inspections to monitor the implementation of these improvements.

• Notable visits for implementation reviews have included the Ever Green Welfare Center in Cheongju (February 7), St. Lazarus Village in Uiwang City and the Korea Hansen Welfare Association (March 22), National Sorokdo Hospital, Aeyang Pyeongan Nursing Home in Yeosu, and Doseong Village (May 17), and Seongsimwon in Sancheong (June 26).

Through this recent visit, the ACRC reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of previous recommendations while offering guidance to address any emerging challenges. Issues identified on-site, or those requiring further action, will be tackled through thorough investigations and coordinated efforts with relevant agencies.

• Examples of Resolved Issues:

- Mediation to halt the demolition of 197 buildings in Bupyeong Village, Incheon (November 29, 2022)

- Regulatory relaxation to admit non-beneficiaries into Hansen care facilities (November 7, 2023)

- Mediation to address livestock odor disputes in Yeongmin Village, Yeonggwang County, Jeollanam-do (July 3, 2024)

Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan noted, "This visit, coinciding with Seongjawon’s 71st anniversary, is a meaningful opportunity to recognize the struggles of Hansen’s disease patients who have faced societal prejudice and to work alongside stakeholders in addressing the unique challenges of Hansen facilities and settlements."

He added, "The ACRC remains dedicated to protecting the rights of Hansen’s disease patients and will prioritize visiting vulnerable communities to listen to their needs and offer essential support."