Improving the dire state of North Korean human rights is not only a
humanitarian mission, but also the initial step towards a unified future
Minister Kwon Youngse delivers a congratulatory message at the
opening ceremony of the NK Assembly North Korean Human Rights Expo
(July 14)
On July 14, Unification Minister Kwon Youngse attended the NK
Assembly North Korean Human Rights Expo, which was held to garner
ideas and insights to improve the human rights situation in North
Korea, and delivered a congratulatory message.
During his speech, Minister Kwon said, “Even at this moment, our
compatriots in the North are living lives where they cannot even enjoy
basic freedoms and human rights.”
“Improving the dire state of North Korean human rights is not only a
humanitarian mission, but also the initial step towards a unified
future,” he added.
He mentioned that “this is why the Yoon administration recognizes
the issues of human rights in North Korea as being as grave as the
issues of North Korea’s nuclear program, and why we are making
multifaceted efforts.”
Moreover, the minister stated that “we must make consistent efforts
in enhancing awareness and expanding the understanding of the need to
improve human rights in North Korea among our people and the
international community.”
“First, there is a need to concentrate our capacity on accurately
identifying the horrendous human rights situation in North Korea and
plainly letting the world know about its reality,” he added.
Minister Kwon highlighted that “we must continuously make demands on
and put pressure on North Korea to prevent the North from ignoring the
voices of the Korean government and international community.
