UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the interactive dialogue on the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
The UK's Global Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French delivered the UK's statement thanking the Special Rapporteur for his continued efforts to shine a spotlight on the deeply concerning human rights situation in DPRK.
Thank you, Mr President.
The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for his continued efforts to shine a spotlight on the deeply concerning human rights situation in DPRK, and his continued reporting of systematic and widespread human rights violations by the DPRK regime, including lack of children’s rights or freedom of religion or belief. The DPRK continually rejects UN resolutions calling upon it to meet its human rights obligations and respect the rights of its people.
The DPRK’s border restrictions in response to Covid-19 have now been in place for over two years, severely hampering UN agencies’ ability to access and support the people of North Korea. We urge the DPRK to engage credibly with the international community on its human rights record, to uphold its responsibilities for its most vulnerable people including those in detention 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,
Can you provide an update on how Covid-related measures introduced by the regime are impacting on the humanitarian situation in North Korea and related human rights concerns in the country?
Thank you.