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 brought international attention to 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 having a fixed residence and posing no 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 underscores 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.
This development matters because it elevates a national legal matter to the international human rights stage, challenging South Korea's compliance with treaties it has ratified. The UN Human Rights Council's scrutiny could pressure the South Korean government to reform its judicial practices, particularly regarding the detention of elderly and religious minority figures. If the Council calls on South Korea to honor its obligations, it may set a precedent for other nations to review similar cases of pre-trial detention that disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.
CAP Freedom of Conscience is urging the Council to call on the Republic of Korea to offer alternatives to detention, allow an independent medical assessment, and ensure a fair and impartial trial. The organization argues that holding a nonagenarian in harsh conditions without due process not only violates his rights but also sends a chilling message to religious communities in South Korea and beyond. The case highlights the broader issue of how states balance security concerns with fundamental freedoms, especially when minority faiths are involved.
The implications extend beyond this single case. International human rights bodies have increasingly focused on pre-trial detention practices that violate the presumption of innocence and disproportionately impact marginalized groups. By bringing Chairman Lee's situation to the UN, CAP Freedom of Conscience aims to reinforce the principle that no one, regardless of age or religious affiliation, should be subjected to inhumane treatment or denied their right to belief. The Council's response will be closely watched as a test of South Korea's commitment to international law and human dignity.
