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→Declining rate of male circumcision reported: Add section on Constitutional law.
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==Constitutional and human rights issues==
The Constitution of the Republic of Korea (1948) as amended provides in Chapter Two the rights and duties of citizens. Some provisions may be applicable to the practice of non-therapeutic circumcision of minors.
Article 10 provides:
<blockquote>
All citizens shall be assured of human worth and dignity and have the right to pursuit of happiness. It shall be the duty of the State to confirm and guarantee the fundamental and inviolable human rights of individuals.
</blockquote>
Article 34 provides:
<blockquote>
(1) All citizens shall be entitled to a life worthy of human beings.<br>
(2) The State shall have the duty to endeavor to promote social security and welfare.<br>
(3) The State shall endeavor to promote the welfare and rights of women.<br>
(4) The State shall have the duty to implement policies for enhancing the welfare of senior citizens and the young.<br>
(5) Citizens who are incapable of earning a livelihood due to a physical disability, disease, old age or other reasons shall be protected by the State under the conditions as prescribed by Act.<br>
(6) The State shall endeavor to prevent disasters and to protect citizens from harm therefrom.
</blockquote>
Article 37 provides:
<blockquote>
(1) Freedoms and rights of citizens shall not be neglected on the grounds that they are not enumerated in the Constitution.<br>
(2) The freedoms and rights of citizens may be restricted by Act only when necessary for national security, the maintenance of law and order or for public welfare. Even when such restriction is imposed, no essential aspect of the freedom or right shall be violated.
</blockquote>
There has been no attempt to apply these articles to the protection of boys' physical integrity.
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