5th Annual Truths Day International Conference Focuses on Reconciliation Between Korean Society and Victims of Enforced Disappearance & Forced Adoption
"A new TRC has just begun its work, and we are all part of this new TRC3. The TRC is about truth and reconciliation," writes Peter Moller, Co-Representative of DKRG and Conference organizer as part of the opening remarks.
"Redress is an essential part of this — perhaps the most important part — and it is inseparably connected to the UN conventions, including Article 8 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, concerning the right to know and the state’s obligation to restore accurate information. The work of the TRC is also fully consistent with Article 24 of the UN Convention: victims and relatives have an absolute right to know the full truth about the circumstances; and with Article 25: to search for, identify and restore the true identity of children who have been unlawfully removed or whose birth and name information has been falsified. Having knowledge, and having the language and definitions to describe what has happened, are the most important tools in the process ahead — in the journey we are all taking with TRC3, including when we speak about redress."
At the 5th Annual Truths Day International Conference, Korean adoptees expanded the scope of work to include meaningful reconciliation and reparations. On Day 1, presentations and panels were given by subject matter experts on the topics of historic reparations, Korean victims of State violence, and Adoptees' Right to Know. On Day 2, there were statements given by Korean Adoptees followed by panels and dialogue concerning reparations.
For more information, please see the downloadable booklet here (English translation begins on page 120):
