(Check against delivery)
Statement by
H.E. Min Dong-seok
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Republic of Korea
at
The 16
thSession of the Human Rights Council Geneva
28 February 2010
Mr. President, Madam High Commissioner, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my great honor to address the High Level Segment of the Human Rights Council (HRC) on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Korea. I would first like to express my sincere appreciation to you, Ambassador Sihasak Phuangketkeow, for the outstanding leadership you have demonstrated as the President of the Council. My deep appreciation also goes to Madam Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and all the staff of her office for their devoted and noble efforts for the advancement of human rights in all parts of the world.
This year marks a critical moment for the Human Rights Council because it is expected to open a new chapter through its review process. I believe that this is a fitting juncture to look back on the past five years and ask ourselves a number of fundamental questions: notably whether we have fulfilled the expectations placed on the Council and also whether we have adhered to the values and principles that we committed to uphold. I believe that these reflections will be crucial in our common efforts to better shape the future of this significant body.
Mr. President,
Over the past five years, the Human Rights Council, with its innovative and pragmatic approach, has made meaningful progress in enhancing human rights around the world. In particular, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) has provided us with a useful framework for examining the human rights conditions in each country and making concrete recommendations on these. I believe that this mechanism will prove to be instrumental in achieving actual improvements in human rights conditions on the ground.
In parallel with the UPR, the Special Procedures also has an extremely important role to play in the promotion and protection of human rights. With its impartial vigilance, the Special Procedures has played an indispensable role in ensuring a timely response to human rights situations in specific countries or on thematic issues.
Mr. President,
Undoubtedly the Council has accomplished a number of important advances.
And yet despite these achievements there have also been repeated calls that the Council still further enhance its effectiveness and secure even greater credibility.
We still have to overcome the long-standing controversy over double standards and politicization. Moreover, the persistent refusal by some states to cooperate with the Special Procedures and UPR also continues to present a major challenge, undermining the capacity of the Council to respond in a timely manner.
In this context, two sessions of inter-governmental Working Group for the HRC review have provided us with a valuable opportunity to identify areas in which there is a real need for improvement and to find ways to better fulfill the mandate of the Council. I take this opportunity to once again commend Mr. President for the hardship and tireless efforts that you have taken in producing the outcome document for the HRC review last week.
Meanwhile, the Government of the Republic of Korea would like to emphasize that many good proposals, especially on persistent non-cooperation and the capacity of the Council to respond promptly to human rights emergencies, should not be dismissed just because they have not been reflected in the outcome document. I believe that they will continue to be a good reference point in an ever evolving process of the Council’s transformation into an even more effective
Mr. President,
With the growing awareness of human rights as a universal value, human rights are now firmly rooted in all the activities of the United Nations, as one of the three pillars of the UN. It is particularly encouraging that there is ever growing awareness throughout the world that respect for human rights is a prerequisite for peace, security and sustainable development. The progress in the standard-setting and institution-building of human rights is particularly worthy of note and indeed invaluable.
However, there continue to be many clear instances of human rights violations in many parts of the world. The reality is that in numerous cases, the international community has failed to respond in a timely and responsible manner. Poverty, armed conflict, dictatorship, and discrimination continue to undermine the basic human rights of countless victims. Moreover, external shocks, such as economic crises, food shortages, and climate-related catastrophes further expose the most vulnerable groups to risks.
Along with these obstacles, deficiencies in democratic governance also have a negative impact, hindering the realization of human rights. Without democratic governance, human rights cannot be upheld in a sustainable manner. Good governance and rule of law provide an environment conducive to responding to the needs of the people. It fosters an environment which enables us to do this.
Conversely, weak governance provides grounds for corruption, persistent impunity, and poor institutional development, ultimately eroding basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Mr. President,
The Republic of Korea notes with concern the recent developments in North Africa and the Middle East. It is our sincere hope that normality shall be restored in an orderly and peaceful manner. In this process, human rights and fundamental freedoms of the citizens should be respected and genuine and inclusive dialogue ensured.
In particular, the Republic of Korea has been following the situation in Libya with great attention, and in this regard, expresses its deep concern at the loss of human lives and the serious violation of human rights in Libya. The Republic of Korea welcomes the recent adoption of resolutions at the Special Session of the Human Rights Council and the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Libya, and stands ready to fully cooperate with their implementation.
The Government of the Republic of Korea also shares the deep concern of the international community over the serious human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). We believe that the human rights situation in the DPRK warrants the continued attention of the Human Rights Council, such as with the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the DPRK.
In this context, my Government calls upon the DPRK to render its cooperation to the Special Rapporteur and to take the necessary measures to improve its human rights conditions in cooperation with the international community.
I would also on this occasion like to refer to the humanitarian issues which are a cause of great concern to the Korean people: namely, the issue of separated families and of abductees of Korean nationality. Given the urgency of these issues, it is the sincere hope of the Republic of Korea that the DPRK will fully cooperate with us to reach solutions as early as possible.
Mr. President,
As a member of the Human Rights Council since its establishment, the Republic of Korea is fully committed to the promotion and protection of human rights. We have engaged fully in the UPR process in good faith and have strengthened follow-up measures, such as with the establishment of a working-level Human Rights Policy Committee. Moreover, as a state party to seven core human rights instruments, we are earnestly striving to implement the provisions of the relevant conventions at the national level through collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders, including NGOs.
In addition, the Republic of Korea strives to build a harmonious society in which all people fully enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms. In particular, we are actively seeking to nurture self-reliance for the most marginalized and vulnerable in society, and to embrace members of our community from different cultural backgrounds. As part of these efforts, we launched a “Multi-Cultural Family Support Center” and adopted innovative policies to assist in the education and training of children from multicultural families.
Mr. President,
At the time of the creation of the Human Rights Council in 2006, we had every expectation that this new body would emerge as a powerful champion of human rights. I believe that now is a time for the Council to rededicate itself to its founding values and principles so that it can carry through the mandate bestowed by the UN General Assembly. Renewed efforts on our part are now required to ensure that our promises are translated into reality.
Mr. President,
The Republic of Korea, sharing its experience and vision with the international community, has played a valuable part in the strengthening of international human rights mechanisms. I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm my Government’s strong commitment to cooperate with the international community in advancing human rights for all and addressing human rights violations around the world.
Thank you. /End/
