(As delivered)

Statement by H.E. Mr. Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

On the Draft Resolution on the “Situation of Human Rights
In the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”

At the Third Committee of the General Assembly
Agenda Item 68: Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
15 November 2016

 

 

Madame Chair,

 

          Let me start by thanking you, Madame Mejía Vélez, and the bureau members for the smooth and efficient procedure of the Third Committee.

 

          I would like to address the draft General Assembly resolution titled, “Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” contained in L.23, as revised by Slovakia.

 

          The human rights situation in the DPRK remains as critical as ever. The newly appointed Special Rapporteur, Mr. Tomás Quintana, urged the Government of the DPRK to immediately halt all human rights violations, and called upon the General Assembly to remain seized of the situation. Accordingly, Japan, together with the EU and supported by many countries sharing our concern, has decided to table this draft resolution once again.

 

          Japan fully supports the people who will speak on behalf of the European Union Members. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all the hard work of the delegation of the European Union in bringing us this far, as well as for the strong support of the co-sponsors of the resolution.

 

Madame Chair,

 

          The United Nations report entitled “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea 2016: Needs and Priorities” states that 18 million people in the DPRK out of a total population of 24.9 million need humanitarian assistance. At the end of August, Typhoon Lionrock passed through the northeastern part of the DPRK and caused severe damage.

 

          In spite of this dire humanitarian situation, the DPRK conducted nuclear tests twice and launched numerous ballistic missiles this year. The authorities of the DPRK, without regard to the plight of their own citizens, divert their limited resources to develop weapons of mass destruction. Such institutional decision itself is a human rights violation. Based on this view, we have included new language on this issue in the text of this year’s resolution.

 

Madame Chair,

 

          Despite the international community’s repeated expressions of concern on the human rights situation in the DPRK, the authorities do not respond in a sincere manner.

 

          It goes without saying that dialogue is necessary to improve the human rights situation. This draft resolution, just as in the previous years, stresses the importance of dialogue in both the preambular and operational paragraphs.

 

          I must remind you of what has happened in the Third Committee this year. The delegation of the DPRK repeatedly raised unjustified and groundless complaints to various delegations on many occasions, but boycotted the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK itself. It is the DPRK which “categorically rejects” dialogue.

 

            In light of such insincerity, the international community must continue to convey to them our strong message of concern. Sending a strong message is itself an aspect of dialogue and that is precisely the purpose of this draft resolution.

 

Madame Chair,

 

          Human rights violations in the DPRK have persisted for over half a century. We must not get accustomed to such protracted violations. Millions of people await relief behind closed borders.

 

          Among them are foreign nationals, including Japanese citizens. The DPRK authorities have engaged in systematic and widespread abduction of foreign nationals, ruining the lives of their victims, who had no prior connection to the DPRK, and forcing them to endure different lives there. Even at this moment, abductees are living under great oppression, hoping for a day when they may reunite with their beloved families. As the abductees and their families grow old, this issue can afford no further delay.

 

          In order to end human rights violations by the DPRK authorities, ensuring accountability is crucial. In this regard, we fully support the activities by the UN mechanisms, including Special Rapporteur Tomas Quintana and the group of independent experts on accountability, to explore appropriate approaches on this issue.

 

Madame Chair,

 

          In closing, I would again strongly urge the DPRK to heed the message of the international community seriously and improve the human rights situation on the ground.

 

Thank you, Madame Chair.