o National Human Rights Commission of Korea expressed its opinion in regards to the establishment of a special school in Gangseo Disctrict in Seoul, that opposing establishment of a special school is in violation of the spirit of equality under the Constitution. In addition, it urged the Minister of Education and Mayors and Superintendents of cities and provinces to make active efforts to establish special schools and the Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan Government and Head of Gangseo District to make efforts to enhance understanding of local residents on people with disabilities and change their perception in order to prevent recurrence of exclusion and denial of people with disabilities.
o Disability Discrimination Rectification Committee of NHRCK concluded that the current over-crowded class does not guarantee the right to education for student with disabilities and making them commute a long-distance threatens not only their right to education but also right to health and security. In addition, given the number of student who are receiving education at home or facilities due to lack of special school in the local area, the government and local government do not fulfil their responsibilities.
o As of 2016, the number of student subject to special education reached 87,950 and 30% of them are receiving education at 170 special schools. However, only 84.1% of the schools comply with the maximum number of students. In addition, in Seoul, there are 29 special schools where 4,496 students with disabilities are receiving education, but eight Districts do not have special schools leading to 2-3 hours of long-distance commute.
o Hence, the government and city mayors and superintendent should increase the number of special school considering the commute distance of students and make efforts to continue establishment of a special school under process.
o The Disability Discrimination Rectification Committee also added that in regards to the conflict with local residents due to establishment of a special school, the Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan Government and Head of Gangseo District should enhance people’s perception and understanding on people with disabilities.
o It also added that every citizen should cooperate in establishing special school for students with disabilities to realize the spirit of equality under the Constitutions, and especially, the local residents are required to have mature mindset to create a desirable educational environment for all.
