Annual Report 2014
parties, the UN and the international community to fully implement the
recommendations of the UN COI with the aim of improving the human rights conditions
of the North Korean people.
④ Welcoming Statement from the Chairperson Regarding the Establishment of the
UN North Korean Human Rights Field-based Structure in Korea
On May 29, 2014, the Commission issued the chairperson’s welcoming statement
regarding the establishment of the UN North Korean Human Rights Field-based
Structure in Korea, saying the decision will serve as an opportunity to raise awareness
of the seriousness of the human rights conditions in North Korea as well as to initiate
nation-wide movements for the improvement of the North Korean human rights
situation. It also expressed its full support for the field-based structure’s successful
settlement in Korea and execution of practical roles for the improvement of human
rights conditions in North Korea.
⑤ Opinion Regarding the Current Process of Enacting a North Korean Human Rights Act
On November 27, 2014, the NHRCK released its position regarding the current status
of enacting a North Korean Human Rights Act. In the opinion, it welcomed the fact
that the process is picking up speed by bringing up the bill for discussion to all relevant
committees in the National Assembly and submitting it to the legislative
subcommittees. In addition, it called for the following issues to be reflected in enacting
the law: i) the NHRCK, an independent national human rights institution should be
the main agency in charge of a North Korean Human Rights Act; ii) the Act should
be established and implemented in a way to effectively protect and promote the human
rights of North Korean people; and iii) the North Korean Human Rights Archive under
the Act should be under the control of the NHRCK, so that it can effectively serve
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II. Major Activities of the Commission