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EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Introduction for action on draft resolution on human rights in the DPRK

20.11.2024
New York
Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in New York

20 November 2024, New York – European Union Statement at the introduction for action of draft resolution L.34 "Situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee

Thank you, Chair.

On behalf of the European Union and its Member States, I have the honour to introduce the draft resolution L.34, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea". We thank our co-sponsors for their contributions and support to the resolution in front of us today.

This is just the latest in a line of resolutions presented every year for the past 20 years. Unfortunately, in all that time, the ‘Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’ has remained a matter of very serious concern. Today it demands our attention more than ever.

 

The draft resolution reflects these concerns. For example, the announcement by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in January 2024, that it would no longer pursue reunification with the Republic of Korea, has clear implications for the situation of separated families, whose relatives may not have much longer to live.

 

The updates this year include renewed calls for cooperation with UN mechanisms, not least with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the DPRK, who presented her report here just three weeks ago. There are also new references to links between the human rights situation and broader peace and security.

 

As ever, and as stated in the text, the resolution is informed by a spirit of critical but constructive engagement with regard to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. While we introduce this resolution to raise concerns and draw international attention, we stand ready to assist in improving the human rights situation.

 

Chair,

We believe that this is something that all countries should be ready and willing to support, which is why the resolution has been adopted without a vote for the past eight years. We hope that colleagues may even now consider co-sponsoring the text, to provide the broadest possible foundations for building a basis for dialogue.

Thank you.