The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Chairperson, Hyun Byung-chul) strongly regrets that the North Korean regime detains four citizens of the Republic of Korea, Kim Jeong-wook, Kim Kuk-gi, Choi Chun-gil and Joo Won-moon (hereinafter “Kim Jeong-wook and three citizens”) and bars the detainees from meeting their family members and government officials as well as communicating with the outside world. In accordance with international human rights laws, North Korea has the responsibility to take measures set forth below.
1. In regards to the basic human rights of Kim Jeong-wook and three citizens, North Korea shall observe the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR) which it joined in 1981 and the Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment (1988) and the Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners (1990) adopted by the UN General Assembly.
2. Kim Jeong-wook and three citizens have the right to communicate with anyone outside, and North Korea shall allow them to contact government officials of ROK and their family without further delay. Especially, North Korea shall provide them with a sufficient opportunity to make calls, exchange letters, or use other types of communication to reach the outside world.
3. Since Kim Jeong-wook and three citizens are not in a proper state to defend themselves, North Korea shall guarantee them the right to a legal counsel designated by the family or the government of Republic of Korea.
4. North Korea shall not unfairly exploit the vulnerable status of Kim Jeong-wook and three citizens and force them to make false statement or give unfavorable testimony.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea, in cooperation with the United Nations and the rest of international community, will make every effort for Kim Jeong-wook and three citizens to be released. Lastly, given that Kim Jeong-wook and three citizens have been detained for as long as a year and half without being able to contact their family members, the NHRCK urges the government of ROK to take proactive measures for their repatriation.
