“We will redouble our multifaceted efforts to bring about substantial
improvements in North Korean human rights”
Unification Ministry holds the “Joint Session on North Korean Human
Rights by MOU-NHRCK-ACRC” (November 15)
On November 15, the Ministry of Unification held the “Joint Session
on North Korean Human Rights by MOU-NHRCK-ACRC” jointly with the
National Human Rights Commission of Korea and the Anti-Corruption and
Civil Rights Commission.
The session was jointly held by the three agencies for the first
time and focused on the theme “Promoting North Korean Human Rights
following the 4th UPR of the DPRK.” It kicked off with opening remarks
by Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho, followed by congratulatory
remarks by NHRCK Chairperson Ahn Chang Ho and ACRC Chairperson Ryu
Chul Whan.
The session consisted of two parts: “Evaluation of UPR Results and
Follow-up Measures” and “Ways to Investigate Accountability for North
Korean Human Rights Violations.”
In particular, Lee Ilgyu, former Counselor of Political Affairs at
the North Korean Embassy in Cuba, attended the session as a special
guest and disclosed diplomatic communications between the North Korea
Foreign Ministry and its diplomatic missions abroad, providing insight
into North Korea’s internal response to international discussions on
North Korean human rights.
Minister Kim emphasized that the inclusion of North Korean human
rights issues in many countries’ recommendations during the recent
UPR, such as the “enactment of three evil laws, abduction and
detention issues, and forced repatriation of North Korean defectors,”
is a significant achievement resulting from the South Korean
government’s efforts. He also highlighted that it was the first time
that the names of three South Korean missionaries held in North Korea
were directly referenced in our recommendations urging North Korea to
resolve the issue of abductees.
The minister stated, “Building on these achievements, the South
Korean government will redouble its multifaceted efforts to bring
about substantial improvements in North Korean human rights.”
