Rights watchdog calls for ensuring education rights for 10-year-old asylum seeker in limbo at airport

Seoul, August 11 - South Korea's National Human Rights Commission has urged the government to safeguard a 10-year-old asylum seeker from Mali's right to education and development, who has been residing at Incheon International Airport for approximately a year. The recommendation was made following the boy and his father's petition in October, alleging the year-long confinement at the airport is inhumane.

The pair have been staying at the airport's departure hall, located west of Seoul, since the justice ministry declined to reassess their refugee status application, which they argue was solely for financial gain. The ministry contends the application was motivated by economic considerations.

At minimum, alternative measures should be implemented to fulfill immigration control objectives while limiting intrusion on essential rights guaranteed for children, stated the watchdog. However, the commission partially dismissed the petition after conducting an investigation. They concluded that the pair did not endure state-sanctioned inhumane treatment, pointing out the departure hall offers laundry, shower, and other amenities.

The two individuals also underwent health examinations. The watchdog also noted the difficulty in accepting their claim that they would face life-threatening danger upon returning home. They added that the father could resolve the matter by returning to Mali or traveling to another country. The case is currently under review by an appellate court after a lower court ruled against the pair.