A/HRC/26/43
example, allowed citizens of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea greater access
to information from outside the country. Outside information, notably from and
through China, is increasingly finding its way into the country. The Special
Rapporteur values the cooperation of China and is determined to assist it in
addressing the consequences of the dire situation of human rights in the Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea.
54.
The Special Rapporteur was able to gain an insight into the issues and factors
that have an impact on inter-Korean relations during his fact-finding mission to the
Republic of Korea in November 2011.42 Such issues can affect a wide range of human
rights, such as the reunification of the thousands of separated families on the Korean
peninsula. He encourages the two Governments to disconnect the issue of family
reunions from any political or other consideration, such as the provision of
humanitarian aid. The reunions must be regular, frequent and inclusive, and become
part of a sustained process moving beyond short-term meetings to life-long
reunification. During his visit, the Special Rapporteur was informed by relevant
authorities that an interministerial structure had been set up to coordinate and handle
various aspects of issues relating to refugees from the Democratic People’s Republic of
Korea. This is a welcome move, given that those seeking to leave the country are at
risk of trafficking and exploitation, while many may also have long-term
rehabilitation needs and whose full integration into society upon their arrival in the
Republic of Korea should be facilitated.43
55.
As the international community and all parties concerned embark on this new
phase of work for human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the
Special Rapporteur encourages the various political parties in the Republic of Korea
to make a concerted effort to provide the much-needed focus, energy and sense of
direction for the Korean people to foster dialogue and shape the future of inter-Korea
relations on the basis of justice and reconciliation through respect for human rights,
while in the meantime helping to ease the ongoing suffering of the people of the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
D.
United Nations system
56.
The commission of inquiry pointed out the fact that the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea, a State Member of the United Nations, had for decades pursued
policies involving crimes that shock the conscience of humanity raised questions about
the inadequacy of the response of the international community.44 The commission
therefore made a number of recommendations addressed to the international
community and the United Nations.
57.
The Security Council has a key role in ensuring accountability of those
responsible for crimes against humanity committed in the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea and the victims aboard. The three members of the commission of
inquiry, at the invitation of Australia, France and the United States of America,
briefed the members of the Security Council under the Arria formula on 17 April
42
43
44
18
See “DPRK: UN expert calls for justice and reconciliation through respect for human rights”, 15
November 2013, available from
www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=13993&LangID=E.
According to the Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea, a total of 1,514 individuals from
the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea arrived in the Republic of Korea in 2013. In the first three
months of 2014, the number of arrivals was 361.
A/HRC/25/63, para. 86.
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