Annual Report 2013
Committee on the Human Rights in North Korea of the NHRCK,
delivered their keynote speeches. In addition, two North Korean
defectors delivered their testimonies. At Session I of the symposium,
participants discussed the status of human rights conditions in North
Korea and their improvement measures by comprehensively going over
the problems of human rights in North Korea. At Session II,
participants dealt with how to enhance awareness of North Korean
human rights by countries around the Korean peninsula, European
countries, and the United Nations. In this regard, they also discussed
ways to cooperate with each other.
(2) Monitoring and Support of the COI of the United Nations
As the COI got down to work from July 2013, the NHRCKs began
monitoring the activities of the COI, and supported its investigations in
Korea. The COI, which is composed of Michael Kirby (Chair), Marzuki
Darusman, and Sonja Biserko, visited Korea in August to host a
hearing,
and
to
meet
with
defectors
and
related
parties.
The
Commission took part in the hearing held on August 22 to deliver a
presentation on the problems of North Korean human rights, and to
submit the materials of the Commission to the COI.
(3) On-site investigation in foreign countries
In 2013, nine young North Korean defectors were arrested and
repatriated against their will to North Korea. This lead to a heightened
concern over the safety and human rights of North Korean defectors in
South East Asian countries. The Commission visited Thailand and the
84 ▪▪▪ Part
II. Major Activities of the Commission