South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday that the country welcomes the unanimous adoption of a North Korean human rights resolution at the 79th United Nations General Assembly Third Committee. The resolution was co-sponsored by 61 countries, including South Korea.
The Ministry highlighted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) report on North Korean human rights. The spokesperson praised the international community for sending a unified message through this resolution, expressing deep concern over the dire human rights situation in North Korea and urging the regime to take concrete steps for improvement.
The spokesperson elaborated that the government actively participated in drafting the resolution, contributing to its strengthening by incorporating concerns about North Korea’s “hostile two-states” doctrine and its potential negative impact on human rights issues, including those of separated families.
The statement emphasized the government’s hope for continued robust discussions on North Korean human rights at various UN forums. It reiterated the stance outlined in the August 15th Unification Doctrine that addressing North Korean human rights is fundamental to achieving peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula. The spokesperson affirmed the government’s commitment to ongoing, multifaceted efforts to improve human rights conditions in North Korea.
On the same day, the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, which focuses on human rights issues, adopted a resolution on North Korean human rights for the 20th consecutive year. Jointly proposed by 61 nations, the resolution denounces human rights violations in North Korea and demands accountability. It is scheduled for final adoption during the plenary session of the UN General Assembly in December.