- Written by Gene Mackenzie
- Seoul correspondent
The South Korean government has denied responsibility for last year's disastrous World Scout Jamboree after being held accountable by law enforcement authorities.
Tens of thousands of people were evacuated from campsites last year due to food and medical problems.
The independent investigation criticized the Korean Scout Association and the government, claiming the association took a leading role in hosting the event, sidelining scout groups.
However, the government denied this.
The group said in a statement that it only played a supporting role to the Korean Scout Association.
“It is simply not true that the direct cause of the Games' failure was government involvement,” the group said.
Billed as the world's largest youth camp, this jamboree, or festival, attracts young scouts from all over the world every four years. The jamboree, held in midsummer in August last year, was fraught with problems from the beginning.
The children passed out because they didn't have enough food in the 40 degree heat.
A report released by an independent commission said medical equipment was inadequate and some clinics did not have electricity connections. Basic supplies such as salt water needed to keep people hydrated were also in short supply.
The British contingent withdrew more than 4,500 child scouts, citing problems followed by many other countries.
In a scathing report, investigators accused the South Korean government of intentionally misleading international and domestic scouting organizations about preparations.
“There were significant challenges and deficiencies in safety, security, protection of young people, medical support, food and dietary requirements, hygiene and hygiene, and a consistent failure to deliver core services to the standards promised. ” the report said.
It also said the event's problems were exacerbated by the South Korean government becoming the “de facto host”, creating some “structural and coordination complexities”.
The independent report also accused the South Korean government of withholding information from investigators and obstructing the review of Jamboree.
“Unfortunately, government officials were unable to provide much-needed information, particularly financial statements related to the event,” the newspaper said.
However, the government refuted this claim. The World Scout Organization said it had not received any requests for information while it prepared its report.
