외교부

Mr. Vice-President, 

Distinguished Delegates,

This is my second time addressing this august chamber following last year. 

And this year, I am standing before you with an even keener sense of responsibility - as the Republic of Korea has embarked on its role as a member of the Human Rights Council.

We celebrate the 80th anniversary of the UN and recall its spirit rooted in humanity’s inherent longing for peace. Yet, we still witness grave human rights situations unfolding in all corners of the globe. 

The war against Ukraine just reached its third year yesterday (2.24). And it has been further complicated by strengthened military ties between Russia and the DPRK. Daily, we hear reports of the eroding human rights situation in Gaza and the DRC. The rise of emerging technologies is adding to the complexities of human rights challenges - like a Pandora’s box.

As rightly observed by the High Commissioner, the key to resolving today’s conflicts and crises rests in greater respect for human rights, not less. 

In this regard, 2025 offers a fitting opportunity to double down on our efforts in enhancing human rights as we start to implement the “Pact for the Future” adopted last year.

As a member of the Human Rights Council, we will constructively engage with the International community focusing on the following key priorities.

First, we reiterate our unwavering belief in the Council and UN human rights mechanisms as a bastion of promoting and protecting human rights. Human rights are universal and every voice counts. The Council plays an indispensable role in helping developing countries build the capacity to advance human rights norms and policies. Korea will continue to support such endeavours to ensure that human rights-based approaches are effectively implemented around the world.

Second, the digital transformation. 

It is reshaping our world - and it presents both opportunities and challenges for human rights. Recognizing these transformative developments, Korea has made it a priority to tackle these complexities - through a human rights-based approach. We are committed to leveraging our digital expertise to help the Council navigate the evolving human rights landscape in the digital age. In this regard, we will table our fourth resolution on this critical issue at the 59th session.

Third, we must do more to protect women, girls, and other vulnerable groups, especially in times of escalating conflicts and protracted crises. This year marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and 25 years since UN Security Council Resolution 1325 – it is a crucial moment to renew our wholehearted commitment to gender equality. Korea has long supported the WPS agenda. And we have been promoting survivor-centered responses to gender-based violence in conflict.

As a country with a historical experience of women and girls victimized as "comfort women," we view the WPS agenda as particularly relevant and significant. We will continue to work together with the Japanese government to restore the honor and dignity of the "comfort women" – and to help to heal their psychological wounds.

At last June’s Security Council briefing on the human rights situation in the DPRK, the High Commissioner accurately captured the dire situation on the ground - a “stifling, claustrophobic environment, where life is a daily struggle devoid of hope.” 

The DPRK’s deployment of its troops to Russia once again highlights the linkage between the DPRK’s human rights abuses and its ramifications for international peace and security, like two sides of the same coin.

Reportedly, the DPRK soldiers are drawn to the battlefield unaware of their involvement in real combat - and trained to commit suicide when captured, which is incompatible with the Right to Life.

We are also deeply concerned about the inhumane treatment of the DPRK escapees being forcibly repatriated, including extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances, as reported by multiple UN Special Procedures. We reiterate our call for the States to respect the principle of non-refoulement.

My government once again strongly urges the DPRK to immediately resolve all issues relating to abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war - including the prompt release of three Korean missionaries, KIM Jung Wook, KIM Kook Kie and CHOI Chun Gil.

We strongly urge the DPRK to heed the international community’s recommendations made during last year’s UPR and take prompt actions to bring about fundamental change in its dire human rights situation.

And we look forward to the release of the High Commissioner’s “comprehensive report” which updates the human rights situation in the DPRK since 2014. 

Rising from the ashes of war, my country overcame devastation, poverty and national division. We have never relented in striving to build a nation founded on freedom, democracy, and prosperity. The journey was arduous and it remains so. But time and again we have proved our “resilience.” The road to promoting and protecting human rights is not straightforward. Korea, based on our experience and strong sense of resilience, will remain a dedicated partner in navigating this path. 

Thank you.  /END/