September 16- On September 6, North Korea unleashed water from Hwanggang Dam into Imjin River. This incident claimed the lives of six South Korean civilians.
Firstly, it must be addressed that North Korean authorities’ attitudes following the incident reveal a general disregard and a lack of understanding of right to life. It is memorable that this incident took place not a long time after the shooting of a South Korean tourist on Mt. Kumgang of North Korea in July last year, to which no satisfying explanations have been given as of yet. It must be stressed to North Korea that a right to life is a universal right that is applicable to all human beings, meaning that it must be a top priority in all matters. In addition, it is regretful that the South Korean government failed to take adequate and efficient action in a timely manner.
The NHRCK urges the government to take initiatives to contact the responsible North Korean authorities to account for the cause and to provide an accurate context for the incident. Moreover, the North Korean authorities will have to take responsibility for taking away citizens’ invaluable life and property. The NHRCK also urges both North and South Korean authorities to cooperate to adopt appropriate approaches to prevent reoccurrence of such incidents.
2009. 9. 15.
Chairperson Hyun Byung-Chul
of the National Commission of Human Rights
