The pre-trial detention of Chairman Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, has been raised at the United Nations Human Rights Council, spotlighting concerns over the treatment of religious minorities and the application of international human rights standards in the Republic of Korea. On September 18, 2026, CAP Freedom of Conscience delivered an oral statement during the General Debate under Item 3 of the Council's 63rd session, which addresses the promotion and protection of all human rights.
Chairman Lee, a Korean War veteran, is currently held at the Seoul Detention Center on nonviolent charges. CAP Freedom of Conscience expressed serious concern that the investigation appears politically motivated and discriminatory, targeting a religious minority. Despite having a fixed residence and posing no flight risk, Lee was detained in cells lacking air conditioning during Seoul's most severe heatwave, raising grave concerns about the health and well-being of a 95-year-old detainee.
The organization argues that such treatment contravenes 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. CAP Freedom of Conscience contends that these standards have been violated in Lee's case.
This development matters because it elevates a national legal matter to the international stage, potentially increasing pressure on South Korean authorities to review their handling of the case. By invoking the UN Human Rights Council, CAP Freedom of Conscience aims to compel the Republic of Korea to honor its treaty obligations. The organization urges the Council to call on South Korea to offer alternatives to detention, allow an independent medical assessment, and ensure a fair and impartial trial.
The implications extend beyond this single case. If the Council takes action, it could set a precedent for how religious minority leaders are treated in pre-trial detention, reinforcing the principle that detention should be a last resort and that the health and dignity of detainees must be protected. The case also highlights the broader issue of discrimination against religious minorities, which remains a concern in many countries. For South Korea, which has positioned itself as a democratic society, the international scrutiny could impact its reputation and its diplomatic relations, particularly with UN member states that prioritize human rights.
Moreover, the involvement of the UN Human Rights Council underscores the importance of international oversight in ensuring that domestic legal systems adhere to global human rights norms. As the 63rd session continues, the international community will be watching how South Korea responds to these concerns. The outcome may influence not only Chairman Lee's fate but also the treatment of other religious minority groups in the country and beyond.
