UN Human Rights Council 43: Interactive Dialogue on the human rights situation in the DPRK
International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivered the UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Thank you, Madam President.
The UK thanks the Special Rapporteur for his continued efforts to shine a spotlight on the DPRK’s human rights record.
The Special Rapporteur’s report reveals a disturbing picture of widespread systematic human rights abuse, which, like the DPRK’s illegal weapons programmes, must not be ignored. Year after year evidence mounts that the DPRK regime inflicts surveillance, arbitrary imprisonment and execution on its citizens while failing to provide for their basic economic needs. Yet, year after year the DPRK rejects UN resolutions which call upon it to respect the rights of its people.
Given the challenges which face us all at this time, we urge the DPRK to engage credibly with the international community on its human rights record and to allow UN human rights mechanisms free and unhindered access to the country. The UK stands ready to engage and assist the DPRK government on human rights issues, including through our Embassy in Pyongyang.
Mr Special Rapporteur,
I would be interested to hear your thoughts on what more you believe the international community can do to ensure the DPRK’s engagement at last year’s Universal Periodic Review leads to positive, tangible changes in the human rights situation in the country?
Thank you.