General Debate under Item 3, 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council
The Case of Chairman Lee Man-hee Before the Human Rights Council
On 18 September 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, devoted to the promotion and protection of all human rights.
The statement raises the case of Chairman Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder and leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and a veteran of the Korean War, who is currently being held in pretrial detention at the Seoul Detention Center in the Republic of Korea on non-violent charges.
CAP Freedom of Conscience expressed serious concern regarding what it described as a politically driven and discriminatory investigation targeting a religious minority, as well as the conditions of detention.
Despite having a fixed residence and, according to the organisation, posing no flight risk, Chairman Lee was reportedly held in cells without air conditioning during Seoul’s most severe heatwave, raising serious concerns about the health and well-being of the 95-year-old detainee.
The statement recalls that such treatment may run 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 of persons deprived of their liberty; the Nelson Mandela Rules provide for health care equivalent to that available in the community; the Tokyo Rules emphasise that pretrial detention should be used as a measure of last resort; and Article 18 of the ICCPR protects freedom of religion or belief.
CAP Freedom of Conscience argues that these protections have been disregarded in Chairman Lee’s case and urges the Human Rights Council to call on the Republic of Korea to honour its international obligations by considering alternatives to detention, allowing an independent medical assessment, and ensuring a fair and impartial trial.