U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Consultations on Human Rights in North Korea

MEDIA NOTICE
SPEAKER’S OFFICE

On April 15, the United States hosted U.S.-South Korea consultations on human rights in North Korea to identify strategies to promote the human rights, fundamental freedoms, and dignity of North Koreans. The meeting took place in an expanded interagency format and demonstrated the depth of cooperation between the United States and South Korea on human rights issues in North Korea. Led by Ambassador Julie Turner, U.S. special envoy for North Korean human rights issues, and Chun Younghee, South Korean Foreign Ministry director general for the Korean Peninsula Peace Regime Office, both sides discussed access to information; forced labor; Kidnapped, prisoners and non-repatriated prisoners of war; Accountability; and the inextricable link between human rights violations and abuses in North Korea and international peace and security.

The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting human rights and holding the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea accountable for its human rights violations and abuses. Through this bilateral consultation, the United States and South Korea reaffirmed their commitment to work together to address the DPRK government’s human rights violations and abuses and to pursue a more just future for all North Koreans.