On March 19, 2025, the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) delivered a statement at the 58th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council for the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in North Korea. The statement, prepared with the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), underscored the ongoing repression of fundamental freedoms in North Korea and the plight of North Korean escapees and expressed concern over North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s invasion of North Korea. Read our statement below and watch our delivery (by Hanna Song, Executive Director) on UN Web TV (01:46:39 ~ 01:48:14).
58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
March 19, 2025
Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK
Mister President, Madam Special Rapporteur,
NKDB and FIDH commend the Special Rapporteur’s latest report pertaining to economic, social, and cultural rights and relevant Sustainable Development Goals and urge UN member states to act decisively in response to the grave and systematic violations outlined.
The DPRK continues to repress fundamental freedoms while its humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by border closures and the lack of international monitoring, leading to chronic malnutrition and inadequate healthcare, especially among children, pregnant women, and the elderly. We urge the DPRK to permit international humanitarian access to uphold economic, social, and cultural rights.
We also highlight the plight of North Korean escapees, particularly those forcibly repatriated from China. Returnees face severe punishment, including torture and forced labor. We urge all states to protect North Korean escapees in compliance with the principle of non-refoulement.
We are gravely concerned by the DPRK’s violation of international law in deploying North Korean soldiers as part of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Reports of heavy casualties highlight the dire conditions and inhumane treatment of the forcibly conscripted North Korean soldiers. The DPRK must be held accountable for its role in fueling global instability.
Lastly, we emphasize the connections between human rights, peace, and security. Without tangible improvements in human rights, sustainable peace in the Korean peninsula remains elusive. We therefore urge the Council to maintain North Korean human rights as a priority and take meaningful steps toward justice for victims of the government’s abuses.
Thank you.
On March 19, 2025, the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) delivered a statement at the 58th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council for the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in North Korea. The statement, prepared with the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), underscored the ongoing repression of fundamental freedoms in North Korea and the plight of North Korean escapees and expressed concern over North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s invasion of North Korea. Read our statement below and watch our delivery (by Hanna Song, Executive Director) on UN Web TV (01:46:39 ~ 01:48:14).
58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
March 19, 2025
Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK
Mister President, Madam Special Rapporteur,
NKDB and FIDH commend the Special Rapporteur’s latest report pertaining to economic, social, and cultural rights and relevant Sustainable Development Goals and urge UN member states to act decisively in response to the grave and systematic violations outlined.
The DPRK continues to repress fundamental freedoms while its humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by border closures and the lack of international monitoring, leading to chronic malnutrition and inadequate healthcare, especially among children, pregnant women, and the elderly. We urge the DPRK to permit international humanitarian access to uphold economic, social, and cultural rights.
We also highlight the plight of North Korean escapees, particularly those forcibly repatriated from China. Returnees face severe punishment, including torture and forced labor. We urge all states to protect North Korean escapees in compliance with the principle of non-refoulement.
We are gravely concerned by the DPRK’s violation of international law in deploying North Korean soldiers as part of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Reports of heavy casualties highlight the dire conditions and inhumane treatment of the forcibly conscripted North Korean soldiers. The DPRK must be held accountable for its role in fueling global instability.
Lastly, we emphasize the connections between human rights, peace, and security. Without tangible improvements in human rights, sustainable peace in the Korean peninsula remains elusive. We therefore urge the Council to maintain North Korean human rights as a priority and take meaningful steps toward justice for victims of the government’s abuses.
Thank you.