newspaper mockup Human Rights in DPR Korea - Press Conference (23 October 2018)

Press conference by Tomás Ojea Quintana, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
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The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) called on the country to show “commitment to the human rights agenda” together with its “important initiatives of engaging” South Korea and the United States.

Speaking to reporters in New York today (23 Oct), Special Rapporteur Tomás Ojea Quintana said he strongly supported rapprochement between North and South Korea, adding that, along with the summit between Chairman Kim and US President Donald Trump, the efforts have eased tensions on the Peninsula. However, he noted that the outcome statements from the important meetings in this regard have made no reference to the human rights situation in the DPRK. Quintana said there were no indications that the state of human rights in the country have changed despite the progress made on peace and security in the region. He called on the DPRK to show a commitment to the human rights agenda, adding that “the most important challenge which has been there for many many years is the possibility to access, to gain access, to North Korea.”

Quintana said he would support a declaration of peace on the Korean Peninsula, as he believes that there is an “interlinked relationship between peace and human rights.” He added, “Yes to peace, but peace needs to be built also on the enjoyment of basic freedoms and rights; and that’s the way I am putting it.”

The Special Rapporteur underscored the risk reconfirming North Korea’s view, which has “argued that human rights have been used for political purposes”, if the issue is sidelined. Quintana reminded that as Special Rapporteur for human rights in Myanmar he raised concerns in 2012 about “crimes against humanity being committed by the military in Myanmar.” He said at the time, the international community couldn’t reach a decision in on this as it was endorsing the transition, “putting aside human rights.” He added, “Now, somehow, we see the consequences where those who sound the alarms are not being heard, so, now again I’m here trying to bring this message; it might be inconvenient.”

Quintana expressed his wishes to see a signal of commitment by the DPRK. He added, “I’m not saying that right now is the time to open up completely the country to start looking into all the issues, etc. That’s unrealistic. But, as the process of rapprochement and talks are moving so fast, we the human rights people, we also need to move fast and bring proposals, different proposals, on how to do it.”

Special Rapporteurs are part of the Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council and work on a voluntary basis. They are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

Photo Credit: UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

newspaper mockup Human Rights in DPR Korea - Press Conference (23 October 2018)
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