NHRCK Statement on the Artillery Firing at Yeonpyeong Island by North Korea
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea(NHRCK) expresses deep concerns over the recent casualties in YeonpyeongIsland caused by North Korean artillery firing that victimized a number of soldiers and even civilians.
The NHRCK would like to pay its sincere tribute to the memory of the deceased and wish for a prompt recovery of those injured in this attack.
Most of all, North Korea’s provocative behavior is inhumane, violating the basic agreement between South and North Korea and the international standards such as UN Charter, and it is indeed anti-human rights, violating right to life.
Thus, the Commission urges North Korea to take responsible measures as a State Party of the UN and international human rights covenants that both the international community and Korean people can accept.
The NHRCK hereby appeals to the international community including the UN and human rights organizations to issue a stern warning to North Korea for its provocative behaviors and to put concerted efforts to make North Korea as a member of the international community in order to realize UN spirit of peace.
The Commission urges the government of Korea to place top priority on the safety of residents of YeonpyeongIsland and damage recovery, and make constant diplomatic efforts to settle peace in the Korean peninsula through cooperation with the international community.
November 25, 2010
HYUN Byung-Chul
Chairperson of the NHRCK
