By Kim Ji-eun

Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin met with the United States Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues Julie Turner on October 16. Special Envoy Turner’s visit from October 16 to 18 marks her first official engagement since her appointment. 

During this meeting, Foreign Minister Park exchanged views with her on the ROK-U.S. cooperation on the North Korean human rights issue.

Foreign Minister Park noted with appreciation that the appointment of Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues Julie Turner to the post after six years of its vacancy has laid a proper framework for ROK-U.S. coordination in promoting human rights in North Korea. He went on to express hope that it would lead to more active ROK-U.S. cooperation on the issue.

Foreign Minister Park said that North Korean people wish to live in a society where they do not starve, where their neighbors are alive, and where they do not have to spy on each other. On that note, he stressed that it is important to send a clear voice in solidarity with the international community to ensure that North Koreans are guaranteed basic freedom.

Park, recalling the commitment of both countries’ leaders in late April to enhance cooperation in promoting the human rights situation in North Korea, expressed his hope for in-depth discussions on the North Korean human rights issues between the United States and the ROK in light of Special Envoy Turner’s appointment.

Special Envoy Turner stated that, given the grave human rights in North Korea, she feels a tremendous sense of responsibility, adding that she will work closely with the ROK with the aim to achieve substantive improvements in the situation. 

The Foreign Minister and the Special Envoy shared the understanding that the ROK’s membership of the United Nations Security Council from next year will serve as a good opportunity to step up collaboration at the UN for the promotion of human rights in North Korea.

Foreign Minister Park mentioned that the National Assembly, media, civil society and others are voicing deep concern over recent reports on the forced repatriation of hundreds of North Korean defectors detained in China. 

On that note, he stated that it is the ROK Government’s position that North Korean defectors should not be forcibly repatriated under any circumstances and that the ROK Government is engaging in vigorous diplomatic efforts to safely and promptly bring North Korean defectors to the ROK in accordance with its principle that it accepts all North Korean defectors who wish to come to the ROK.