PERMANENT MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
The 32nd Session of the Human Rights Council <Check against delivery>
Panel discussion on the contribution of Parliaments to the work of the HRC and the UPR
Geneva, 22 June 2016
Statement of the Republic of Korea Mr. President,
The Republic of Korea thanks the panelists for their interesting and informative presentations. Given the role of national parliaments in promoting and protecting human rights, it is crucial for national parliaments to effectively engage in the discussions of human rights issues. In particular, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Council, we wish that a solid relationship between the human rights mechanism and national parliaments could be established.
The Republic of Korea takes this opportunity to share our case. During the UPR reviews, a number of delegations recommended the Republic of Korea to take comprehensive measures in combating trafficking in persons including the ratification of the Palermo Protocol. Taking the issue as a serious matter, the Republic of Korea expedited its domestic process aimed at implementing the recommendation. Admittedly, it was the Korean National Assembly which played a key role in the implementation efforts. Its keen interest in this issue led to the ratification of the Palermo Protocol, which finally entered into force on 5 December 2015. This is one of the success stories for the Korean National Assembly’s active efforts in implementing the UPR recommendations.
Mr. President,
The 3rd cycle of UPR is just months away. It offers us a timely opportunity to put further efforts to collect ideas on ensuring a broader role of the national parliaments in the UPR process. In this sense, we would like to conclude by seeking the panelists’ suggestions or views on how to better ensure national parliaments’ active engagement in international human rights mechanisms including the UPR process.
Thank you, Mr. President. /End/
