1. The Government of the Republic of Korea welcomes the UN Human Rights Council’s adoption of a resolution on situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea without a vote at its 31st session on March 23 in Geneva. The resolution was co-sponsored by 58 countries, including the Republic of Korea.

2. The latest resolution carries particularly great significance in that it stipulates the establishment of a group of independent experts with regard to accountability for human rights violations in North Korea.

3. The fact that the resolution was adopted without a vote, with overwhelming support clearly reflects the international community’s deep concern over the gravity of the human rights situation in North Korea.

4. The Government of the Republic of Korea deplores the fact that North Korea is channeling its scarce resources into nuclear tests and missile launches in disregard of the human rights and the livelihoods of its people, and once again urges the North to sincerely implement this resolution and to immediately take all necessary measures to help its people live humanely.


* unofficial translation