[Event]Memorializing North Korean Human Rights

1 Nov 2023
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On October 31st, NKDB hosted a seminar that emphasized the significance of leveraging the past and present to shape our future. The creation of a museum goes beyond merely documenting human rights violations; it serves as a means of memorializing these movements for the advancement of human rights in North Korea. We brought together experts from diverse international backgrounds to explore the prospects of the future North Korea Human Rights Museum.

The event opened up with congratulatory remarks from Ambassador Shin-hwa Lee as well as NKDB's Chairperson Young-ho Shin and Head of the Committee to Establish a Museum on North Korean Human Rights, Jai-chun Lee.

During the event:
๐ŸŒ President of the Korea Institute for Peace and Cooperation, Gi-Woong Son, provided a compelling analysis of the power, utilization, and significance of memory. Drawing insights from post-WWII Germany, he underscored the importance of using memory to facilitate a sustainable dialogue that can catalyze positive change within North Korea. He emphasized the necessity for a consistent international stance on North Korea to hold human rights violators accountable.

๐ŸŒ Human Rights Officer, Eleanor Fernandez, delved into the actions of the UN OHCHR as it continues to address human rights violations and establishes a framework for achieving transitional justice. She stressed the need for memorialization to prioritize the victims, creating a process that offers space for those affected by human rights violations, stimulates civic engagement, encourages critical thinking, and promotes discussion.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Associate Professor of Law, Stephan Sonnenberg, discussed the intricate process of memorialization through the establishment of museums. He highlighted that memorialization is not merely about creating a museum; it's about fostering a continuous dialogue that encourages different generations to engage in conversations and gain a deeper understanding of historical events.

๐Ÿค Director of International Cooperation, Hanna Song, introduced the Larchiveum of North Korean Human Rights and the significance of creating a platform for initiating dialogue and driving change for North Korean human rights.

๐Ÿ“š Chief Director of NKDB, Yeosang Yoon, stressed the importance of both online and offline presence for museums. Bringing attention to the North Korean human rights issue necessitates accessibility to the public and resilience to political changes. A museum plays a vital role in providing a platform and venue for sharing stories and information.

๐Ÿ—ฃWe were honored to have three incredible panelists, Patricia Goedde from Sunkyunkwan University, Kang Chol Hwan from NK Strategy Center, and Wonwoong Lee from Catholic Kwandong University, join us in this insightful discussion.

Keep an eye out for NKDB's process on establishing a museum on North Korean Human Rights