UN Human Rights Council 60: UK Statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner's Report on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
UK Statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner's Report on the DPRK. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
Thank you, Mr President,
The UK is grateful for the High Commissioner’s report which draws attention to the DPRK’s continued widespread and systematic violations of human rights. We are also grateful for the bravery of the 314 victims and witnesses who provided information to his office.
As the report makes clear, there has been no improvement in the human rights situation in the DPRK since 2014. If anything, it has got worse. The death penalty is being implemented for a wider range of acts, including the sharing of foreign media. There is more pervasive surveillance and an increased use of forced labour.
As the High Commissioner has pointed out, the DPRK’s current extreme isolation is a major barrier to improving human rights. The UK believes that diplomacy and negotiation are the best way to secure peace on the Korean peninsula and to improve the lives of North Koreans.
The UK urges the DPRK to engage meaningfully and constructively with the international community, to take tangible steps to improve its human rights record, and to allow UN human rights mechanisms unhindered access to the country in order to support permanent improvements for the people of the DPRK.
To the Office of the High Commissioner,
How will you work with Member States to ensure they uphold the principle of non-refoulement of individuals to the DPRK?