A Study on the Improvement of the Disaster Relief Donation System

Abstract

This study discussed the need for restructuring the disaster relief fundraising system in South Korea. To that end, it examined the management system and characteristics of disaster relief donations. In addition, the study drew implications by comparing domestic and overseas disaster relief donation systems and analyzing important precedents related to disaster relief donations. The analysis revealed that the domestic disaster relief fundraising system is based on the classification of disasters into natural and social disasters, which the study contended is not suitable in the current scenario given the recent trend of large and complex disasters. Overseas disaster donation systems were not found to be based on such a dual classification. Moreover, it was confirmed that various forms of support were being provided to revitalize donations overseas. It may also be unconstitutional for donations to be based on such a classification because the system violates the basic spirit of the Constitution by limiting the right to freedom and pursuit of happiness of donors and charitable organizations participating in disaster relief funding. Historical changes in the donation law have changed the orientation from regulation to promotion of a donation system with a mature donation culture. In this context, the following proposals were made to improve the domestic disaster relief donation system. First, the study recommended the unification of the donation system for natural and social disasters in light of the occurrence of multiple disasters. Second, it advocated a transition away from the current system of monopolistic fund management in order to revitalize various disaster relief fundraising institutions.