UN Human Rights Rapporteur: "South Korean Government Should Protect, Not Pressure, North Korean Defectors"

Thomas Ojea Quintana, UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights
"Should provide safety and protection, not pressure and coercion"

Thomas Ojea Quintana, UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights

The UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights expressed concern on the 22nd that the South Korean government is restricting the human rights activities of North Korean defectors' organizations. Following the controversy over the distribution of leaflets to North Korea, the Ministry of Unification recently revoked the corporate registration of two defector organizations and decided to conduct the first office inspections of North Korean human rights organizations.

Thomas Ohea Quintana, the rapporteur, said in an interview with Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA) on the same day, "I will contact the South Korean government to hear detailed information about the ongoing inspections related to North Korean human rights organizations."

He acknowledged that "all countries have the authority to administratively control and regulate their domestic civil society organizations," but argued, "No measures should hinder these organizations from carrying out their missions. These organizations are doing very important work on North Korean human rights."

He also urged the government to "take a balanced approach toward civil society organizations while respecting the rule of law and international human rights law."

The rapporteur stated, "North Korean defectors need to be fully protected and must not become victims," adding, "We must not forget that defectors fled North Korea to escape hardship and violations."

He continued, "Recently, North Korea insulted and threatened defectors again in two separate statements," emphasizing, "Therefore, the South Korean government should provide safety and protection to defectors rather than exert pressure and coercion through such moves and actions."

The rapporteur added, "I may officially call for the South Korean government to operate in a balanced manner regarding regulation and control of civil society organizations."

The Ministry of Unification stated that it intends to faithfully explain the government’s position to the UN side.

Yeo Sang-gi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Seoul on the same day, "We will faithfully explain the government’s position to the UN and the international community going forward," and "We will consult with the UN side regarding requests for meetings."

However, the ministry reaffirmed its strict stance on measures against the distribution of leaflets to North Korea.

Spokesperson Yeo said, "While freedom of expression and the right of North Korean residents to know are important values that must be protected, they must be exercised within the scope that does not infringe on the rights and interests of others, such as residents in border areas."

He emphasized, "The government once again states that the distribution of leaflets to North Korea must be stopped because it seriously threatens the lives and safety of residents in border areas and causes serious risks."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Unification plans to conduct office inspections starting at the end of this month targeting 25 nonprofit corporations under its jurisdiction, following the controversy over leaflet distribution by defector organizations such as the Free North Korea Movement Alliance and Keunsaem.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.