On February 10, the Ministry of Unification held a debate centered on
“seeking the role of the international community in protecting the
right to life and enhancing human rights in North Korea” with lawmaker
Thae Young-ho at the National Assembly.
The debate was held on the occasion of the visit of David Alton, a
member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom as well as a human
rights activist who co-chairs the British-DPRK All-Party Parliamentary Group.
During his welcoming remarks, Unification Minister Kwon said, “the
Yoon administration recognizes the issues of human rights in North
Korea as grave as the issues of ‘North Korea’s denuclearization,’ and
will work tirelessly with the international community to substantially
improve human rights in North Korea.” Minister Kwon added, “we will
open the door to dialogue with the North Korean authorities, find ways
to cooperate through international organizations, and continue to help
the North Koreans know the reality themselves.”
After the debate, Minister Kwon had a separate meeting with David
Alton in his office where they exchanged opinions on improving human
rights in North Korea.
