Human Lives Human Rights: The United Nations has sounded the alarm over the dire human rights situation in North Korea, calling for an end to the country’s “self-imposed isolation” and demanding accountability for widespread violations.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told the Security Council that the situation in North Korea is “profoundly alarming” and has far-reaching implications for regional stability. He described the country as a “stifling, claustrophobic environment” where life is a daily struggle devoid of hope.
Turk highlighted several critical issues exacerbating the dire conditions, including the repression of freedom of movement, expression, and socioeconomic conditions. He also condemned the use of arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment, as well as the absence of fair trials.
The UN official cited the case of enforced disappearances, including citizens of South Korea and Japan, who have vanished in the past 70 years. He estimated that over 100,000 people are still missing today, and stressed that the truth about their fate remains unknown.
Turk urged North Korea to take a “U-turn from the dead end of self-imposed isolation” and re-engage with the international community. He emphasized that this is crucial for improving the lives of all people in North Korea.
A civil society representative who fled North Korea echoed Turk’s concerns, urging UN member states to give priority to the rights of North Korean people alongside efforts to address nuclear weapons and missiles.
However, Russia and China opposed holding the session, arguing that human rights violations in North Korea do not pose a threat to international security and peace. They called for a focus on silencing weapons in conflicts instead.
The meeting proceeded despite opposition from Russia and China, with 12 out of 15 members of the Council voting in favor of holding the session.
