A United Nations body has urged the Korean government to appoint a minister for gender equality and family, a position that has remained vacant since February following the government’s plan to abolish the ministry.

The recommendation was issued following the conclusion of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) review on the Korean government’s women-related policies. The committee expressed concerns that these policies have regressed overall.

The CEDAW issued its final recommendations for the country on Monday (local time), following its review of the implementation status of 189 countries that have ratified the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. 토토 Since becoming a member in 1984, Korea has submitted a national report outlining its policy achievements in related fields every four years for the committee’s consideration.

The report by the committee raised serious concerns regarding the proposed abolition of the gender equality ministry in Korea by the government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP).

“The committee is concerned that this [abolition of the ministry] could lead to the fragmentation and de-prioritization of legal and policy frameworks dedicated to the advancement of women,” it said.

Additionally, the report emphasized that the abolition would represent a regression from the committee’s earlier stance, which advocated the strengthening of the gender equality ministry’s role and resources.

“The committee is further concerned by the failure to appoint a minister for gender equality and family, the drastic reduction in the budget of the ministry, and retrogressive policies on women,” it said. “Additionally, the committee is concerned about the limited participation of women’s organizations in the design and implementation of national plans and strategies for the advancement of women.”