The chief of the National Human Rights Commission called Thursday for a revision of the Refugee Act to improve living conditions of those granted refugee status in the country. Song Doo-hwan, chairman of the commission, made the statement marking World Refugee Day, saying the refugee problem is a joint responsibility shared by the international community and protecting their rights is an obligation. "In many cases, those who apply for refugee status are faced with unstable legal status for a lengthy period due to backlog of cases up for evaluation, and they go on living under economic difficulties," Song said. "Even if they are granted refugee status, relevant law makes them off limits to social security, unable to receive the treatment as inscribed by law," he added. Under the Refugee Act, a foreigner staying in the country after being granted refugee status shall receive the same extent of social security as a South Korean citizen. In reality, however, only people with resident registration can receive housing support offered to the vulnerable class, or get help in renting existing housing with jeonse, a unique rental system, under relevant work guidelines. Source: Yonhap News Agency
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