Rapes, killings, beatings, forced labor: For years in the 1980s, children and the disabled were rounded up from South Korean streets and carted off to Brothers Home, an institution where some of the most gut-wrenching human rights atrocities took place.An AP
investigation found that so-called "vagrants" - homeless people, drunk people, but mostly children and the disabled - were
rounded up off the streets ahead of the 1988 Seoul Olympics and forced into what were essentially concentration camps, where they were raped and beaten daily.A man recounts being 14 year old when guards accused him of stealing a piece of bread, yanked his pants down, and lit a lighter next to his genitals until he confessed to a crime he didn't commit. He was dragged off to Brothers Home, then raped and beaten by guards repeatedly for the next 5 years.
A widespread government coverup has prevented any justice from being served. In fact, two attempts to investigate were suppressed by senior officials who went on to hold high-profile jobs. One is even a senior adviser to the current ruling party. Products made using slave labor at the camp were sent abroad, and the family that owned the camp ran welfare facilities and schools until just two years ago.
Not one victim has received compensation or a public apology. The current State is blocking attempts at a new investigation.These victims, who struggle with depression, rage, shame, and thoughts of suicide, deserve justice.
Please sign this petition to urge an independent investigation into the human rights abuses that occurred at Brothers Home in South Korea so that the victims may finally receive public acknowledgement and compensation. We the undersigned demand an independent investigation into the atrocities that occurred at South Korea's Brothers Home in the 1980s.
An AP investigation revealed absolutely shocking human rights abuses that were inflicted against children and the disabled. So-called "vagrants" - homeless people, drunk people, but mostly children and the disabled - were rounded up off the streets ahead of the 1988 Seoul Olympics and forced into what were essentially concentration camps, where they were raped and beaten daily.
A widespread government coverup has prevented any justice from being served. In fact, two attempts to investigate were suppressed by senior officials who went on to hold high-profile jobs. One is even a senior adviser to the current ruling party. Products made using slave labor at the camp were sent abroad, and the family that owned the camp ran welfare facilities and schools until just two years ago.
Not one victim has received compensation or a public apology. The current State is blocking attempts at a new investigation.These victims, who struggle with depression, rage, shame, and thoughts of suicide, deserve justice.
Please conduct an independent investigation into the human rights abuses that occurred at Brothers Home in South Korea, so that these victims may see justice, public recognition, and compensation. Thank you.
