Human rights activist and filmmaker Sek Al Mamun, who has shed light on the plight of migrant workers and refugee issues in South Korea, along with the Korean Women Workers Association, has been named the recipient of the Seoul Bar Association’s Citizen Human Rights Award.
The Seoul Bar Association announced on Friday that it will jointly present the Citizen Human Rights Award to Mamun and the Korean Women Workers Association at its 119th anniversary celebration, to be held on September 21 at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul.
The Citizen Human Rights Award, established in 1993, recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to human rights advocacy and social justice. This year marks the 32nd iteration of the award.
Mamun, a Bangladeshi immigrant, came to South Korea in 1998 and became involved in human rights activism after experiencing harsh working conditions and discrimination firsthand. He has consistently advocated for the freedom of movement between workplaces, resolution of wage arrears, and improvement of substandard living conditions for migrant workers.
His films, including A Greenhouse is Not a Home and No Way Out, which depict the realities faced by migrant workers and refugees, have also garnered high praise for their contribution to protecting and advancing immigrant rights.
The Korean Women Workers Association, founded in 1987, has been dedicated to protecting the rights of female workers through labor counseling and legal reform initiatives. The organization has been recognized for its efforts in raising awareness about issues such as gender discrimination in hiring, workplace sexual harassment, discrimination against non-regular workers, undervaluation of care work, and the gender pay gap, while also supporting affected workers in seeking justice.
The Seoul Bar Association will also present the Myeongdeok Award to attorney Jang Deok-soon for her 41 years of service in advocating for human rights and social justice, and the Public Interest Service Award to attorney Jo Beom-je for his various public interest activities and protection of vulnerable groups.
Fifty-seven attorneys, including Kang Kyung-gu, who has practiced law for over 30 years, will receive the Baengro Award. Attorneys Kim Sang-hee, Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Hyun-ho, Yeom Hyung-guk, and Lee Hyun-joo will receive merit awards for their contributions to the association’s development. Kim Eui-ji, Kim Joo-hyun, Yoon Tae-yoon, Jo Yeon-bin, and Choi Chang-ho will be presented with commendations.
The recipients of the Outstanding Member of Parliament Award include Democratic Party lawmakers Nam In-soon, Jin Sung-jun, and Han Jun-ho, as well as People Power Party lawmakers Jo Bae-sook and Kwak Gyu-taek. Police officers Jeong Tae-ho from the Yongsan Police Station and Choi In-ho from the Gangnam Police Station, along with sergeants Kwak Chan-hee (Songpa Station) and Jeong Jin-hee (Yeongdeungpo Station), will receive the Outstanding Police Award.
Seven journalists, including Kwon Gyu-hong from Aju Economic Daily, Kim Dong-kyu from Financial News, Kim Seung-hee from Channel A, Shin Hyun-wook from KBS, Yoo Geun-yoon from News Tomato, Lee Tae-joon from Sisa Journal, and Choi Dong-hyun from News1, will receive the Outstanding Legal Journalist Award for their contributions to upholding the rule of law and advancing legal culture.
Two companies, including Dong-A Socio Holdings, will receive commendations for establishing compliance management systems and fostering healthy corporate cultures.
The Seoul Bar Association stated that through this 119th anniversary celebration, it reflects on the century-long history of advocating for human rights and social justice. It remains committed to fulfilling the role and mission as a trusted grassroots legal organization in the years to come.