UN Human Rights Council 46: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Democratic People's Republic of Korea
The UK's International Human Rights Ambassador delivered this statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Thank you Madam President.
The UK thanks the Special Rapporteur for his continued efforts to shine a spotlight on the DPRK’s human rights record.
The Special Rapporteur reports continued and widespread human rights violations by the DPRK regime, which we must not ignore. These include an increase in gender-based human rights violations, violations of the rights to freedom of assembly, association and expression, and arbitrary detention and execution of its citizens. DPRK fails to provide for its citizens’ basic economic needs and rejects UN resolutions calling upon it to meet its human rights obligations.
DPRK border restrictions in response to Covid-19 are severely affecting the ability of UN agencies to access and support the people of North Korea. Despite ongoing pandemic challenges, we urge the DPRK to engage credibly with the international community on its human rights record and allow UN human rights mechanisms unhindered access to the country. The UK stands ready to engage and assist the DPRK on human rights issues.
Special Rapporteur,
The humanitarian situation in North Korea has deteriorated as a result of Covid-related measures introduced by the regime. Can you say how this is impacting human rights concerns in the DPRK?
Thank you.