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denuclearization talks, overshadowed human rights concerns.
From 2017 to 2019, the so-called “era of false peace” and “sham
denuclearization negotiations” relegated North Korean human
rights issues to obscurity. The resumption of formal UN
Security Council discussions on North Korean human rights
in August 2023, after a six-year hiatus, marked a significant
turning point. Surprisingly, neither China nor Russia opposed
this agenda, signaling a shift in global attitudes toward
these issues. Additionally, North Korea’s publication of a
white paper in December 2023, commemorating the 75th
anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, can be seen as a response to mounting
international pressure.

To effectively address human rights issues in North Korea and
maintain this modest yet hopeful progress, the international
community must adopt a multifaceted approach.

Documentation and Accountability: Thorough and systematic
documentation of human rights violations is essential to
hold the Kim Jong-Un regime accountable. Learning from
historical precedents like Nazi war crimes, there should be no
impunity for such atrocities.

Recognizing Interconnectedness: The interconnection between
North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and human rights abuses
must be acknowledged. Addressing these issues concurrently
is crucial, as they are not separate entities but intertwined
aspects of the regime’s strategy for power retention.

Chapter Six : Unveiling the North Korean Human Rights Quandary 99