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Advocacy visit in Republic of Korea

A sovereign state in East Asia, the Republic of Korea is a high-income country with the population of 50.62 million (World Bank, 2015). WHO estimates 5,931 road traffic fatalities annually, while pedestrians, according to the Korean National Police Agency, represent the largest share (39%) of total deaths. According to the WHO, the Republic of Korea has strong laws on seat-belt use; however, the legislation on the speed, drink-driving, helmet use and child-restraints need to be improved. To date, Korea is a contracting party to two of six UN Road Safety Conventions.
Dr. Oh, President of Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA)

The Special Envoy presented his activities and his role as UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety. Dr. Oh presented an overview of Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA) priorities and efforts, including for vulnerable populations such as children and elderly. Dr. Oh and the Special Envoy discussed the pillars of the Decade of Action for Road Safety and agreed that the legislation on speed, drink-driving, helmet use and child-restraints needs to be strengthened. The Special Envoy invited KOTSA to advocate for accession to the remaining UN Conventions.
H.E. Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General and Mr. Kim Won-soo, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs

The Special Envoy provided an update on his recent activities and an overview of his recent meetings in the Republic of Korea. He also shared his current priorities and upcoming country visits.