Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "North Korea Leaflet Distribution Poses Risk to Citizens' Lives and Safety... Restrict Within Minimum Necessary Scope"

UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights Recommends Review of 'Anti-Propaganda Leaflet Distribution Act'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its position that the leaflet distribution, which poses risks to the lives and bodies of citizens, may be restricted to the minimum extent necessary, in response to the commentary by the UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights who recommended a review of the recently passed "Prohibition of Leaflet Distribution to North Korea Act" by the National Assembly.

On the 17th, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Choi Young-sam stated at a regular briefing regarding Thomas Ojea Quintana, the UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights' concerns about the Prohibition of Leaflet Distribution to North Korea Act, "The government guarantees freedom of expression as stipulated in the Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ratified by the government to the fullest extent," adding, "However, considering the balance with respect to the protection and respect for the lives of citizens, the government holds the position that leaflet distribution that causes risks to the lives and bodies of citizens may be restricted within the necessary and minimum scope."

He also stated that communication with international organizations and the international community will continue. Spokesperson Choi said, "The government will continue to communicate with the international community, including the UN side such as Special Rapporteur Quintana."

Furthermore, regarding reports from Japanese media about a right-wing figure who was fined for anti-Korean protests targeting Koreans and others, and reports that the chairman of a Japanese cosmetics company used derogatory expressions about Koreans, he expressed hope that both countries will resolve these issues in a helpful direction based on sound common sense and judgment.

Spokesperson Choi responded, "From a principled perspective, we hope that South Korea and Japan can resolve all issues, including historical matters and all issues important to both countries, based on sound common sense and judgment, in a way that contributes to the development of bilateral relations," adding, "We believe that the roles of both the government and the private sector are the same in all aspects."

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is scheduled to hold a Korea-Mongolia foreign ministers' meeting with Nyam-Osoryn Enkhtaivan, Mongolia's Foreign Minister, on the 21st. In this video conference meeting, both sides plan to evaluate the 30th anniversary of Korea-Mongolia diplomatic relations this year and exchange views on ways to strengthen future cooperation in areas such as the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

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