Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regular Briefing, EU Consults on UN North Korea Human Rights Resolution Adoption
Government Responds to North Korea Human Rights Following Universal Human Rights Principles
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The European Union (EU) has started consultations with major countries this year for the adoption of the United Nations resolution on North Korean human rights, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 20th that South Korea is actively participating in this effort.
At a regular briefing on the same day, Deputy Spokesperson Lim said, "Human rights are universal values of humanity that must be respected, and accordingly, the issue of North Korean human rights is also a matter of universal human rights, requiring a consistent response based on principles."
Deputy Spokesperson Lim explained, "We are positively considering participating as a co-sponsor of the North Korean human rights resolution," and added, "The final position will be decided after considering various factors including the draft resolution."
Regarding the reason South Korea is reviewing its return as a co-sponsor of the North Korean human rights resolution, he responded, "Our government pursues global universal principles such as human rights, peace, freedom, and prosperity through value diplomacy," adding, "This reflects the government's policy direction."
When asked whether the government’s judgment on the impact of participating as a co-sponsor of the North Korean human rights resolution on inter-Korean relations has changed from the previous administration’s concerns, Deputy Spokesperson Lim emphasized, "The government responds to North Korea’s denuclearization and various threats while always keeping the door open for measures that can lead North Korea to dialogue."
The North Korean human rights resolution follows a process where the EU drafts the resolution each year, circulates it among major countries for consultation, and then it goes through the Third Committee under the UN General Assembly before being adopted at the year-end UN General Assembly. The final adoption is usually done by consensus without a vote.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also told reporters on the same day, "Since consultations have just begun, it is difficult to predict the situation," and added, "We plan to respond consistently according to our position and national interests while consulting with major countries."
Meanwhile, Park Yong-min, Director-General for Multilateral Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with James Hynan, the newly appointed head of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on North Korea, in Seoul on the morning of the same day, stating that South Korea will actively cooperate with the UN and the international community to protect and promote North Korean human rights.
Director-General Park conveyed the government’s strong support for the smooth execution of the UN Office’s mission and exchanged views with Director Hynan on the dire human rights and humanitarian situation in North Korea.
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