A leading activist for the rights of female migrants called for more action to protect them from domestic violence and discrimination.

“Many immigrant spouses are still tormented in places that are void of human rights protection,” said Han Kuk-yeom, founder and director of Women Migrants Human Rights Center, in an interview with The Korea Herald.

“Three women were murdered (by their husbands) last year alone and many others are suffering from domestic violence with their children,” she said.

From rural community representatives to a National Assembly member, some foreign spouses have seen advancement in their social status.

But many others suffer from constant domestic abuse, discrimination, and cultural differences in the country where they once dreamed of opportunity and happiness, she said,

According to a recent report by the Gender Equality Ministry, nearly half of immigrant spouses, or more than 100,000, are exposed to domestic violence. But the government’s support is not enough to protect their human rights, she said.

“The government should expand its budget to build and operate more shelters for them to become economically and socially independent,” she said.

Currently, there are only 22 shelters for immigrant women and their children. Each can accommodate only 12 a year, she added.

The 63-year-old activist launched the organization in 2001 to support those who left their homes in fear of violence by their family members. The center now provides a wide range of social services to immigrant spouses including Korean language classes, counseling and sheltering.

She has played a major role in promoting the human rights of immigrant spouses. In 2006, Han helped the government revise the law to protect immigrant women from domestic violence and to launch an emergency support center for those in need of immediate help.

In recognition of her efforts, Han received the Yoon Kwan-soon Award in 2011 and the Civil Human Rights Award in 2010.

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)