Page 9 - NKHR Hawaii Conference 2023

human rights situation in North Korea, we commemorate a few important anniversaries
this year. First, we mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations
Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic
of Korea (DPRK) which brought the world’s attention to the horrible human rights
violations taking place inside North Korea.

Additionally, next Sunday will mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights (UDHR) of which the North Korean people do not enjoy a single right
as enshrined in the Declaration.

With distinguished speakers and panelists, we aim to highlight the atrocious conditions
in North Korea and call upon local, national and international communities including
the United Nations to take action. We must also continue to condemn the Chinese
government’s brutal policy of forcibly repatriating North Korean refugees. Finally, we
must unite and collectively speak out and be the voice for the voiceless in North Korea,
and the North Korean defector communities throughout the world.

As we do so, let us remember the words from the Old Testament, from the Book of
Isaiah:

“Learn to do right. Seek justice. Defend the oppressed.”

Dear friends, colleagues, and guest speakers. T ank you for being here with us today.

Mahalo!
(T ank you!)

NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS HAWAII CONFERENCE 2023 9