On September 18, 2026, CAP Freedom of Conscience delivered an oral statement during the General Debate under Item 3 of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, focusing on the promotion and protection of all human rights. The statement highlighted the case of Chairman Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder and leader of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and a Korean War veteran, who is currently held in pre-trial detention at the Seoul Detention Center in the Republic of Korea on nonviolent charges.
CAP Freedom of Conscience expressed serious concern over the conditions of Chairman Lee's detention and what it describes as a politically motivated and discriminatory investigation targeting a religious minority. Despite his fixed residence and the absence of any flight risk, Chairman Lee was held in cells without air conditioning during Seoul's most severe heatwave, raising grave concerns about the health and well-being of the 95-year-old detainee.
The statement recalled that such treatment runs counter to the Republic of Korea's international obligations. Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) requires detention to be necessary and proportionate; Article 10 guarantees humane treatment; the Nelson Mandela Rules entitle detainees to healthcare equivalent to that available in the community; the Tokyo Rules make pre-trial detention a measure of last resort; and Article 18 protects freedom of religion or belief—a fundamental right that CAP Freedom of Conscience believes has been violated in this case.
CAP Freedom of Conscience urged the Council to call on the Republic of Korea to honor its treaty obligations by offering alternatives to detention, allowing an independent medical assessment, and ensuring a fair and impartial trial.
This development matters because it brings international scrutiny to South Korea's treatment of a religious minority leader and raises questions about the country's compliance with global human rights standards. The case could impact how the UN and other international bodies monitor detention practices, particularly regarding elderly detainees and nonviolent charges. For businesses and investors, it signals potential reputational risks for South Korea if the allegations of discriminatory treatment are substantiated. It also underscores the growing role of civil society organizations in holding governments accountable at the international level, which may influence public opinion and policy debates in South Korea and beyond. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how religious freedom and pre-trial detention are addressed under international law.
