[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Choi Jong-moon, the 2nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on the 24th, "The issue of Japanese military comfort women is a matter of universal human rights, and prevention of recurrence is necessary."
On the 24th (local time), Vice Minister Choi delivered a keynote speech at the 46th United Nations Human Rights Council High-Level Segment held via video conference, saying, "Addressing sexual violence in conflict is one of the urgent issues, and we must remember the victims and survivors."
Vice Minister Choi emphasized, "Current and future generations must learn valuable lessons from the painful experiences of the Japanese military comfort women victims," and added, "Our government will continue efforts to restore the dignity and honor of comfort women victims through a survivor-centered approach."
Vice Minister Choi also stressed the need for international cooperation on North Korean human rights issues.
He said, "Our government has deep interest and concern regarding the human rights situation in North Korea and is working to promote the substantial human rights of North Korean residents in cooperation with the international community," and added, "We also express concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in North Korea and believe that attention to this issue must continue."
He further added, "We hope North Korea will respond to our continuous requests to resolve the separated families issue, which is one of the most urgent humanitarian and human rights problems."
Vice Minister Choi also mentioned issues such as economic and social inequality, hatred, and discrimination caused by COVID-19.
He stated, "Globally, it will be necessary to respond to COVID-19 and prepare for the post-pandemic era based on human rights and democratic principles," and reaffirmed, "Our government supports equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments as well as a multilateral approach."
Vice Minister Choi expressed hope for the participation of all relevant countries in the "Northeast Asia Disease Control Cooperation Initiative," launched last December at the proposal of President Moon Jae-in during the UN General Assembly.
He emphasized the pros and cons of digital technology amid the COVID-19 situation.
He then requested the support and interest of countries for the "New Technologies and Human Rights" resolution led by South Korea, which will be submitted to the 47th Human Rights Council in June.
Additionally, Vice Minister Choi expressed deep concern about the recent situation in Myanmar.
He said, "We respect the Myanmar people's aspiration for democracy expressed in last November's general election," and added, "We hope the issue will be resolved peacefully through legitimate and democratic procedures."
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