Minister Kang Kyung-wha Meets with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Bachelet: "Korea Joins as Human Rights Council Member to Promote Human Rights Protection"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 24th (local time), Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha attended the high-level segment of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council held in Geneva and met with Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to discuss cooperation measures between the Korean government and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) as well as key human rights issues.

During the meeting, Minister Kang evaluated that High Commissioner Bachelet has been dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights worldwide through various field activities since her appointment in 2018. She also stated, "The Korean government will continue to actively participate in the international community's efforts to respond to human rights crises and overcome new challenges during its term as a Human Rights Council member from 2020 to 2022." The High Commissioner for Human Rights is the highest-ranking official overseeing the UN's human rights-related work and activities, established in 1993 following the recommendations of the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights.

In response, High Commissioner Bachelet expressed gratitude for the Korean government's active support of the OHCHR's activities and mentioned her hope that bilateral cooperation will continue to strengthen.

Furthermore, Minister Kang introduced the "Peace with Women" initiative launched the year before last as part of the Korean government's active participation in the international community's efforts to address sexual violence in conflicts worldwide. She also requested interest and support for the 2nd international conference to be held this year.

High Commissioner Bachelet praised the Korean government, stating, "It is leading discussions through the adoption of Human Rights Council resolutions in areas such as new technologies and human rights, and local governments and human rights." In response, Minister Kang said, "Let us continue to closely consult to advance discussions in these fields."

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "Minister Kang's recent meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is evaluated as an opportunity to express the Korean government's continuous and active commitment to the international community's efforts to promote human rights protection centered on the OHCHR, and to enhance mutual understanding and willingness to cooperate on key human rights issues such as sexual violence in conflicts, new technologies and human rights, and local governments and human rights."