South Korea to Question North Korea on Abducted Citizens and Human Rights at UN Review
Seoul, South Korea – The South Korean government will question North Korea on human rightsissues, including the fate of abducted citizens, during the upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The fourth round of the UPR for North Korea is scheduled to take place on November 7th in Geneva.
The UPR is a mechanism whereall 193 UN member states are reviewed every four years on their human rights records and obligations. Member states can submit written or oral questions during the review process.
South Korea submitted its written questions to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights(OHCHR) on October 25th. The questions include:
- Confirmation of the whereabouts and fate of six South Korean citizens currently detained in North Korea. This issue has been a long-standing point of contention between the two Koreas, with South Korea demanding information about the fate of its citizens who were abducted or disappeared while in North Korea.
- Measures to prevent the imposition of excessive punishments on children. South Korea is concerned about reports of harsh treatment and punishments inflicted on children in North Korea, including those accused of political crimes.
- Progress made in addressing the issue of separated families. The Korean War separated millions of families across the border, and South Korea has been urging North Korea to address this humanitarian issue and facilitate reunions.
- Efforts to abolish the political prison system. South Korea has consistently raised concerns about the existence of political prison campsin North Korea, where individuals are reportedly subjected to torture and inhumane treatment.
South Korea’s questioning of North Korea during the UPR is expected to highlight the ongoing human rights concerns within the country. The government aims to use this platform to pressure North Korea to improve its human rights record and address the issues raised.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, November 4). 韓國将在联合国涉朝人权审查质询被绑架者等问题. Retrieved from https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20241104000000004?input=1195m
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