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Gwangju City News
During a video conference on the afternoon of April 6, Gwangju City, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) agreed to issue a joint UCLG statement calling for opposition to Myanmar’s military coup, support of the pro-democracy movement, and protection of Myanmar people’s human rights.
The video conference, organized at the suggestion of Gwangju City Mayor Lee Yong Sup, was attended by Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Emilia Saiz Carrancedo, current Secretary-General of UCLG; Mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau; and Morten Kjaerum, Director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights.
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Mayor Lee said, “The worsening situation in Myanmar is similar to that of the Gwangju Democratic Movement against military forces, which took place 41 years ago in May 1980. Now more than 100 organizations in Gwangju have formed the “Gwangju Alliance,” opposing the military coup and supporting democracy in Myanmar, and are conducting various activities to show support.” He went on to say, “After hearing various opinions at meetings with Myanmar residents in Gwangju, we have confirmed that what they need the most at this moment are support and solidarity from the international community,” emphasizing the importance of UCLG’s role.
Mayor Lee Yong Sup further explained, “I hope the international community will unite their voices in recognizing that Myanmar has been completely isolated by the military. I therefore propose that the UCLG Commission on Human Rights member cities denounce Myanmar’s military authorities, call for the protection of Myanmar people’s human rights, and officially announce the recognition of Myanmar’s democratic government in a joint statement.”
In response, Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, explained the situation in Myanmar and the measures taken so far by the United Nations in detail, and said, “We strongly encourage acts of solidarity with Myanmar’s people from Gwangju and other local governments.” She also added, “If the UCLG member cities issue a joint statement calling for the protection of human rights in Myanmar, we will actively support it.”
UCLG Secretary-General Emilia Saiz, Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, and Director Morten Kjaerum also promised to collaborate with the UCLG’s joint statement and offered various opinions on support of Myanmar’s people.
“What concerns the people of Myanmar the most is that their resistance is being forgotten,” said Director Morten Kjaerum. “It is important to show solidarity through the World Human Rights
Reprinted from the Gwangju Metropolitan City website (http://gwangju.go.kr)
▲ Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong Sub during the video conference.
Gwangju City & United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Announce Support for Myanmar People
Cities Forum and similar networks, and I am grateful for Gwangju’s opposition to the coup and for leading civil support.” The Gwangju city government plans to draft a joint statement with these organizations and announce it after obtaining signatures from the participating cities.
Meanwhile, starting last year, Gwangju City Hall and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have co-hosted the World Human Rights Cities Forum. In addition, the UCLG Commission on Human Rights is the co-organizer of the Forum, and Gwangju is the co-chair city of the UCLG Human Rights Committee, illustrating their close cooperation.
The Mecca of Archery, Gwangju City has officially begun in earnest to attract the 2025 World Archery Championships. The last WAC in Korea was hosted in Ulsan City in 2009, but Gwangju City stood out by showing differentiated infrastructure as a prestigious archery city at possible low expense and high efficiency.
COVID-19 NEWS Starting Vaccinations for Long-Term Stay Foreigners in April
The quarantine authorities have officially approved a vaccination schedule for long-term stay foreigners, whose stays in Korea are longer than three months. Accordingly, relevant foreigners of age 75 and above will be vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine beginning in April and those aged 65–74 will be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine beginning in June.
COVID-19 NEWS Government Considering “Vaccination Vacation”
The quarantine authorities are now actively considering a “vaccination vacation” for people who exhibit an extraordinary reaction to their COVID-19 vaccination. The government has clarified its opinion over providing 1–2 days of official time off with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and is preparing to enter into in-depth discussions with the agency.
▲ Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong Sub (left), Ambassador Wolfgang Angerholzer, and wife.
Gwangju Metropolitan City Mayor Lee Yong Sup met with Austrian Ambassador Wolfgang Angerholzer and his wife on the morning of April 2 in the City Hall meeting room. They discussed plans on overall cooperation between Gwangju and Austria, mentioning culture and human rights.
Mayor Lee gave the ambassador couple a warm welcome on their visit to Gwangju. He said, “Since Austrian creators are participating in this year’s Biennale, I hope we can continue fostering cooperation and friendship between Gwangju and Austrian cities.” He also added, “You will visit Sorok-do as your next destination, and I sincerely thank you for the lifelong service of Sisters Margreth and Marianne.”
Ambassador Wolfgang Angerholzer said, “I visited the Gwangju Biennale and the May 18 National Cemetery yesterday, and I felt that Gwangju sublimated the tragedy of May 18 into a positive image of creativity and hope at the Biennale.” He added, “We will try to show more Austrian culture and art at upcoming Biennales.” “Visiting Sorok-do is of great importance for me and my wife,” he continued. “We will take a lot of pictures on Sorok-do and convey to the sisters in Austria that all is well at Sorok-do, which is like another home for them.”
Lastly, Mayor Lee called for international cooperation and support for the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar. “The massacre and human rights violations against the people of Myanmar are developing in a similar way to Gwangju’s May 18 Democratic Movement in 1980. I hope that all the world can help in supporting the Myanmar Democratic Movement.”
