Welcoming Statement from the Chairperson of the NHRCK Regarding the Establishment of the UN North Korean Human Rights Field-based Structure in Korea
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Chairperson, Hyun, Byung-chul, hereafter the NHRCK) welcomes the decision of the OHCHR to establish a North Korean human rights field-based structure in Korea, accepting the recommendation of the UN COI.
The NHRCK expects that the establishment of a field-based structure in charge of North Korean human rights issues under the UN OHCHR will serve as an opportunity to raise awareness of the seriousness of the human rights conditions in North Korea as well as to initiate nation-wide movements for the improvement of North Korean human rights situation.
The NHRCK, at a request of the UN OHCHR, will actively cooperate with the field-based structure for its successful settlement in Korea and execution of practical roles for the improvement of human rights conditions in North Korea.
In addition, the NHRCK once again urges for a belated enactment of a North Korean Human Rights Act to lay an institutional foundation for the improvement of human rights conditions in North Korea, in line with UN-centered international community's activities.
29 May 2014
Hyun Byung-chul
Chairperson
National Human Rights Commission of Korea
