National Human Rights Commission of Korea's selection of children's human rights books
Happy Morning Reading Recommendations

A human rights story told through vivid stories from everyday life! This book teaches us that human rights are not grandiose concepts, but rather a matter of mutual respect and happiness. It also helps us realize that human rights issues, which often seem distant, are directly related to our own and our families' stories.

Today is Sunday.
Eunsu leaves the house, determined to go to the library.
Because there's nothing else to do even if you stay at home.
I couldn't even turn on the television.
My older sister, who is in her third year of high school, made a firm promise with her mother that she would not turn on the television while studying at home.

… … This year is said to be a very important time for my sister.
My sister said that the university she wants to go to is a place where you have to study very hard to get into.
Eunsu understood what her mother said.
I really hope my sister goes to the university she wants and studies what she wants.
Still, I can't help but feel that it's unfair.

--- 「1.
From "I want to be respected"

How terrible would it be if everyone in the world were exactly the same? Imagine if everyone in the world were identical, like identical teddy bears produced in a single factory.
If everyone looked the same, thought the same, and acted the same, it would be truly terrible.
There will be no me, no friends, no parents, no teachers, only people who are the same, like identical teddy bears.
When I think about it, it's truly fortunate that everyone in this world is different, and that there's no one like me.
--- 「4.
From "Don't discriminate"

What can we do if we find ourselves in Malala's situation? We can't just take up arms and fight.
Fighting violence with violence only invites endless violence.
So, on July 12, 2013, Malala visited the UN headquarters at the invitation of then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and made this appeal:
“Please let us take up books and pens.
Books and pens are the most powerful weapons in the world.
“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”
--- "People who protect human rights ｜ I am Malala"

“And most importantly, you have the right not to be discriminated against.”
The children are speechless at the teacher's words.
I've heard people say, "You shouldn't discriminate," but this is the first time I've heard people say, "You have the right not to be discriminated against."
Above all, the word ‘rights’ feels unfamiliar.

Jihyun asks the teacher.
"Teacher, if it's a right, you can demand it when you need it, right? You can demand that someone who discriminates against you stop discriminating against them... is that what you're saying?"
The teacher nods and says.
“Yes, that’s right.
If someone discriminates against you for any reason, you have the right to demand that they stop discriminating against you.”
--- 「5.
What rights do we have?

Is it right to compare people who are learning something for the first time and are still clumsy and immature to children?
On April 27, 2022, the Child Rights Committee of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea ruled that expressions such as "Terin" and "~rin" were derogatory to children.
It is an expression that violates the principle that we should not look down on or discriminate against someone simply because they are young.

--- From “More Details ｜ Activities of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea’s Children’s Rights Committee”

"Sister, why didn't the black people change the law? If the segregation laws were wrong, it would have been easier to change them before the 'boycott of buses' began for over a year."
At Eunsu's words, the older sister smiles and says.
“Yes, if we could change the law, we would have eliminated racism faster and easier.
But black people didn't have the right to vote.
No, it actually existed, but it was as good as non-existent.
… … So, black people could not elect representatives to make laws to eliminate discrimination, and even if such laws were made, they could not vote to approve them.”
Eunsu suddenly became serious.
I was taught that voting was important, but I didn't know it would have such a profound impact on our lives.
“Now I understand why the right to vote is important.”

--- 「9.
From “The World We Create Through Participation”