Statement by Archie Young, UK Ambassador to the UN
General Assembly, at the UN General Assembly meeting on Human
Rights Abuses and Violations in North Korea.
I thank the briefers for their brave testimonies and tireless
advocacy. It is essential that we continue to shine a light on
the grave human rights situation in the DPRK, about which the UK
remains deeply concerned.
Human rights abuses against North Koreans remain widespread and
systematic. Those who perpetrate these abuses remain
unaccountable.
The regime refuses to acknowledge or act on the 2014 Commission
of Inquiry report, which illustrates the multiple human rights
violations committed in DPRK.
And the DPRK has repeatedly rejected UN resolutions which set out
the many concerns shared by the international community,
including the operation of prison camps and forced labour,
violations of freedom of religion or belief and women's rights.
North Koreans are denied freedom of movement, and many workers
are sent overseas, often into modern slavery.
We urge the DPRK to cease these practices without delay.
Those wishing to leave do so clandestinely, at huge personal
risk. We call on all Members to respect the principle of
non-refoulement and not return escapees to DPRK.
On 7 November last year, the UK issued several recommendations to
the DPRK as part of the Universal Periodic Review process,
including ratifying the UN Convention against Torture and to
reform the judicial system to ensure respect for the right to a
fair trial.
We are pleased that the DPRK engaged with the Universal Periodic
Review in November and encourage them to implement
recommendations.
We need DPRK to make real and lasting change for the people of
the DPRK.
We have repeatedly made it clear that the primary cause of the
DPRK's humanitarian and food crisis is their continued
development of their illegal weapons programme, representing
multiple breaches of Security Council resolutions.
Indeed, we have heard clearly today also the links between the
human rights situation in DPRK and their support for Russia in
its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine in brazen disregard
towards UN sanctions.
We condemn these and call on the DPRK to prioritise the
well-being of the people in North Korea.
We strongly encourage the DPRK to grant access to the Special
Rapporteur on the situation on human rights in the DPRK and
accept technical cooperation from UN human rights mechanisms, and
to enable the return of UN agencies, to ensure help reaches those
who are most vulnerable.
The UK continues to call on DPRK to engage in meaningful
diplomacy and accept offers of dialogue.
We believe diplomacy and negotiations are the best way to secure
peace and stability and improve the lives of all North Koreans.
