On December 18, Ahn Chang-ho, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRC), welcomed the unanimous adoption of a resolution on North Korean human rights at the 80th United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York. The resolution was co-sponsored by 61 countries, including South Korea.
In a statement released on December 19, Ahn said that this resolution reflects the international community’s shared recognition of the gravity of human rights issues in North Korea.
Ahn expressed deep concern about the long-standing, severe human rights violations in North Korea. He stated that it hopes that the issues raised in this resolution will prompt a positive shift in the North Korean authorities’ stance and lead to constructive cooperation with the international community.
He strongly urged North Korea to take several actions: The regime must cease forced abortions and infanticides of repatriated pregnant defectors. They must immediately repatriate prisoners of war who haven’t returned home, as mandated by the Geneva Convention of August 12, 1949, on the treatment of Prisoners of Wars (POWs). This includes abductees and detainees. If any have died, it demands the excavation and return of their remains.
Ahn also called for: △ North Korea to fulfill its obligation to submit its fourth periodic report to the UN Human Rights Committee; △ neighboring countries to adhere to the Protocol to Prevent Trafficking in Persons to protect North Korean defectors; △ UN member states to restore support for North Korean human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) facing operational challenges, ensuring their vital work continues undiminished.
Ahn stated that if there’s no significant improvement in North Korea’s human rights situation, it urges the South Korean government to maintain its role as a co-sponsor of these resolutions. He added that the NHRC will continue to work closely with the international community to tangibly improve human rights for North Korean citizens.
The UN General Assembly resolution demanded that North Korea facilitate the immediate return of abductees, detainees, and POWs, including the remains of the deceased. It also called for an end to forced abortions and infanticides of repatriated pregnant defectors, and for access to be granted to international organizations for humanitarian assessments.
The resolution also expressed concern over North Korea’s excessive military spending at the expense of its citizens’ welfare and reiterated the request for North Korea to submit its fourth periodic report to the UN Human Rights Committee.