Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
As delivered by Ambassador Robert King
HRC 31 – March 14, 2016
Thank you, Mr. President. The United States commends the Special Rapporteur’s report to the Council, which highlights the egregious human rights violations committed by the DPRK.
We would also like to use this opportunity acknowledge the Special Rapporteur’s accomplishments including the key role he played in the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry, his service as a member of the COI, and his efforts to establish the Seoul office.
Mr. President, we remain deeply concerned by ongoing widespread and gross human rights violations committed by the DPRK government. We regret that the government continues to refuse to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur and will not allow him to visit and observe human rights conditions in accordance with his mandate.
We strongly support the Rapporteur’s calls for accountability and commend the establishment of an OHCHR office for continued monitoring and documenting of human rights violations and abuses.
We remain strongly committed to working closely with the international community to sustain international attention on the ongoing egregious human rights violations in DPRK and to seek ways to advance accountability for those most responsible.
We join with others in urging the DPRK to address these ongoing human rights violations and to accept the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur. We urge the DPRK to engage directly with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur Darusman and his successor, and thematic special rapporteurs on how to fulfill its international human rights obligations and commitments.
Mr. President, how would the SR address issues specific to female victims and accountability?