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Seoul Shifts Stance, To Co-Sponsor UN Resolution on North Korea Rights

South Korea has tentatively decided to co-sponsor a UN Human Rights Council resolution on North Korea, marking a shift from earlier indications it might skip the move to aid reconciliation efforts. The reversal comes despite recent remarks by the Unification Minister suggesting there was no reason to push for co-sponsorship against Pyongyang's objections. Insiders state the change reflects the government's emphasis on the universal value of human rights and a reaction to North Korea's persistent hostility. The decision follows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's recent designation of South Korea as the "most hostile state."

Key Points: S. Korea to Co-Sponsor UN Resolution on N. Korea Human Rights

  • Policy reversal on UN resolution
  • Emphasis on universal human rights value
  • Reaction to N. Korea's hostility
  • Aligns with UN General Assembly stance
  • Decision follows internal debate
2 min read

Seoul likely to co-sponsor UN resolution on North Korea's human rights: Report

South Korea reverses course, deciding to co-sponsor a UN Human Rights Council resolution on North Korea, despite earlier conciliatory efforts.

"no reason for Seoul to push for co-sponsorship - Unification Minister Chung Dong-young"

Seoul, March 28

South Korea will likely join as a co-sponsor of this year's UN resolution on North Korean human rights, government sources said, amid earlier expectations that Seoul might skip the move in line with its conciliatory gestures toward Pyongyang.

The South Korean government has tentatively decided to participate as a co-sponsor of the resolution on the human rights situation in North Korea to be adopted at a regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council later this month, according to the sources on Friday.

The move marks a shift in tone from a few days ago, when reports indicated Seoul was weighing the option of dropping out of the co-sponsorship this year to align with President Lee Jae Myung's efforts to mend badly frayed ties with the North, reports Yonhap news agency.

Remarks by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young a day earlier had further added weight to the possibility of Seoul opting out of the resolution.

He said there was "no reason" for Seoul to push for co-sponsorship despite Pyongyang's apparent objections.

Insiders say the shift reflects the government's emphasis on recognising the universal value of human rights.

North Korea's persistent hostility against the South, despite continued efforts to ease inter-Korean tensions, also likely played a role in the decision.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un formally labelled South Korea the "most hostile state" in his speech to the newly elected rubber-stamp parliament on Monday, its state media reported.

South Korea was among the 61 co-sponsors for the resolution adopted at the UN General Assembly Third Committee last December.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a tricky situation. On one hand, you want peace with your neighbour. On the other, you cannot ignore human suffering. As an Indian, I understand complex borders and hostile neighbours. Hope this doesn't escalate things further. 🤞
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Rohit P
Frankly, I'm surprised it was even a debate. When Kim Jong-un calls you the "most hostile state," what's the point of holding back on a UN resolution? South Korea tried being nice, and it got nothing. Time to take a stand.
S
Sarah B
While I support calling out human rights abuses, I hope this is part of a coherent strategy and not just a reaction. A consistent foreign policy is key. The back-and-forth reporting shows internal confusion, which isn't helpful.
V
Vikram M
The people of North Korea deserve to have their voices heard on the global stage. This resolution is important. But diplomacy is like a delicate dance—hope South Korea has other channels open to keep communication alive. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
It's a strong message. In our region, we see how important it is to stand for democratic values. This decision likely had a lot of internal debate. Respect to Seoul for choosing principle, even if it makes the path to peace harder.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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