See statement in English and Korean below*
DPRK: “Achieving accountability is paramount,” UN expert
says ahead of General Assembly’s key vote
SEOUL / GENEVA (14 November 2014) – The United Nations
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea (DPRK), Marzuki Darusman, said the issue of accountability of
those responsible for crimes against humanity in the country remains at the top
of the agenda.
“Let me be very clear: achieving accountability is
paramount,” Mr. Darusman said in Seoul at the end of an official visit* to the
Republic of Korea. The expert’s comments come a few days before the Third
Committee of the UN General Assembly votes on a resolution to refer the DPRK to
the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.
Two weeks ago, the expert met for the first time a
delegation of senior DPRK officials who invited him to undertake a full-fledged
country visit, under the condition that all references to accountability of the
North Korean Supreme Leader and possible referral to the ICC contained in the
draft resolution on the situation of human rights situation in DPRK be removed.
“I should be invited to visit DPRK without any preconditions
and irrespective of the adoption of the resolution,” the Special Rapporteur
underscored. “From here on, it is important to already think of preparing the
ground for accountability processes.”
Mr. Darusman noted that the combined pressures and scrutiny
the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council have opened new possibilities
of dialogue with the DPRK which may eventually lead to changes in the country.
“I believe a two-track approach should be taken,” the expert
stated, “ensuring accountability of those responsible for serious human rights
violations, and providing technical assistance to help make a difference in the
lives of the people of North Korea, including victims.”
“The ultimate goal is to create a peaceful and stable
situation in the Korean peninsula,” the Special Rapporteur underlined. “When
reunification eventually takes place, addressing accountability for human
rights violations can only make a positive contribution towards achieving this
ultimate objective.”
The expert also expressed concern, among other things, on
the issue of abductions of South Korean nationals by North Korea, and of North
Korean workers sent abroad and reportedly subjected by North Korea to forced
labour.
During his five-day visit to the RoK, the expert met with
senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice,
the Ministry of Unification, the Office for National Security, the National
Intelligence Service; members of the Human Rights Forum and the Foreign Affairs
and Unification Committee of the National Assembly; the Mayor of Seoul;
representatives of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea,
non-governmental organizations and the diplomatic community.
The information the Special Rapporteur will gather during
his mission to RoK will be reflected in his report to the Human Rights Council
in March 2015.
(*) Check the Special Rapporteur’s end-of-mission statement
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