A/HRC/7/20 page 21 the development of inter-Korean economic and humanitarian cooperation projects. They also agreed to promote the interests of the Korean people and “the rights and interests of overseas Koreans on the international stage”. Various innovative activities between the two sides were being initiated, including the establishment of railway links, and the economic zone in Gaeseong, a key cooperation project begun several years ago. 74. The Republic of Korea has dealt with a variety of human rights issues in its dialogue with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, at times at the bilateral level, at times in the multilateral and other levels. First, there is the issue of the consequences of the Korean war 1950-1953. The two countries have come together periodically to facilitate the reunion of families separated by the war, and with the help of the Red Cross Societies of the two sides, there have been a number of meetings between families, as well as through videoconferencing. There remains the issue of nationals of the Republic of Korea taken as prisoners of war (POW) and missing persons taken by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea during and after the war. 75. Secondly, the Republic of Korea has provided various forms of emergency and humanitarian aid to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, including food, medicines and fertilizers. Third, the Republic of Korea has accepted over 10,000 nationals of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for settlement in their search for refuge from their country of origin. During all his visits, the Special Rapporteur went to talk to new arrivals at the Hanawon centre, and the improved facilities of the centre are much welcome. 76. The authorities have increased their support for these persons, such as through longer term protection periods, the provision of pensions, employment and other opportunities. More recently the aim has been to promote more independence and self-reliance on the part of those who settle in the country. The law concerning divorce of nationals from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea after arrival in the Republic of Korea was passed in 2007, allowing them to file for divorce from the spouse in the former country if the location of the spouse cannot be identified. The Special Rapporteur was encouraged by educational and training programmes for the young generation from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, complemented by caring neighbours who help them adapt to society. 77. Other cases, such as torture victims from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the older generation, may need longer support systems, given that they may find it difficult to adapt to the new society. Individualized care and support, coupled with psychological and other back-up, with family and community networks, are important. The Special Rapporteur was informed that some of these persons later leave for other countries in search of other futures. A key activity is to promote a positive image of those who seek refuge, such as success stories, to ensure understanding of their plight and foster interactive cooperation between the newly arrived and the rest of the population, such as through volunteer projects to help the new arrivals. 78. Thirdly, another issue inviting a more proactive response is that of children of mixed marriages and family reunion (e.g. a national of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea who has a child with another national en route to the South whom is left behind in the second country). This heartbreaking situation invites bilateral and other links to enable them to exit from other countries and reunite in the Republic of Korea. There are parallel family reunion challenges in regard to the family members left behind in the North, with the additional fear that