- U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Joined the Meeting, Affirming Commitment to Cooperation on Accountability for North Korean Human Rights Violations. -

1. Vice Minister for Strategy and Intelligence Cho Koo-rae met with United States Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues Julie Turner and U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack on the afternoon of October 10 (Thursday). They discussed measures for cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the U.S. to improve the human rights situation in North Korea.

2. Vice Minister Cho took note of the close cooperation between the ROK and the U.S. on North Korean human rights, including the first and second ROK-U.S. Consultations on North Korean Human Rights on November 15, 2023, and April 15, 2024, respectively. He emphasized that resolving North Korea’s human rights issues is a crucial foundation for peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula. In particular, he appreciated that the ROK, the U.S. and Canada held their first director-general-level trilateral consultation on North Korean human rights this week and discussed joint strategies for promoting human rights in North Korea, including coordination for North Korea’s upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in November.

3. Vice Minister Cho emphasized that the ROK government’s announcement of the "August 15 Unification Doctrine" and its election to the UN Human Rights Council would serve as a crucial basis for vibrant cooperation between the ROK and the U.S. in improving the North Korean human rights situation. He also mentioned that, despite North Korea’s anti-national and ahistorical moves, the ROK will continue its efforts to achieve freedom, peace and prosperity for all on the Korean Peninsula, and requested continued interest and support from the U.S. He also stressed that the fortification construction of North Korea in defiance of such efforts by the ROK cannot suppress the North Korean people's desire for freedom.

4. Vice Minister Cho stressed the importance of accountability for North Korean human rights violations not only in deterring such abuses but also in preparing for reunification. He suggested that the ROK and the U.S. continue to explore pathways, including both judicial and non-judicial approaches, to achieve accountability. Special Envoy Turner agreed, adding that Ambassador Van Schaack was accompanying her on the visit for substantive discussions on these issues.

5. Furthermore, Vice Minister Cho expressed hope that the U.S. Congress would swiftly approve the North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2023, which reflects the U.S.’ commitment to promoting human rights in North Korea. He called for the U.S. administration’s proactive attention and efforts toward this goal.

6. Vice Minister Cho also noted that the international community’s awareness has been raised regarding the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities at the expense of its people's fundamental rights since official U.N. Security Council meetings on North Korean human rights were held last year and this year -- on August 17, 2023, and June 12, 2024, respectively -- and as the ”North Korean human rights-security nexus” has continuously been emphasized on various occasions. He called for joint efforts between the ROK and the U.S. to ensure that more countries, including those in the Global South, recognize the unique nature of North Korea’s human rights issues.

7. In addition, Vice Minister Cho emphasized the importance of the voices of the youth, particularly young North Korean defectors, as a key agent of change with a high sensitivity to human rights issues. Special Envoy Turner agreed and suggested redoubling efforts to expand engagement with the future generation, in particular, for enhancing information accessibility for North Korean people. Moreover, the two sides agreed to continue working-level discussions on accountability for North Korean human rights violations and improvement of information accessibility.