Korea Future’s Call for Accountability at the UPR Pre-Session on North Korea
On 28 August, Korea Future was honoured to address the attendees of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Pre-Session in Geneva, ahead of North Korea’s forthcoming review in November 2024. This platform allowed us to engage directly with delegations from UN Member States, presenting key insights and recommendations from our two recently submitted stakeholder reports. Civil society reports are a cornerstone of the UPR process, providing critical perspectives that challenge state narratives. In the case of North Korea, the role of civil society is even more crucial given that the country’s delegation chose not to attend, making independent contributions like ours essential for a balanced review.
Our statement focused on urgent themes, including arbitrary detention, fair trial and justice, and conditions of detention in North Korea. We highlighted the need for increased scrutiny of the country’s claims regarding its human rights record, which remain unverifiable due to the lack of access granted to international bodies, including OHCHR, and civil society organisations. Unlike North Korea’s unsubstantiated assertions, our findings are grounded in rigorous methodology and verification, providing a more reliable account of the reality on the ground. For instance, we reported a troubling rise in arbitrary detentions under oppressive laws such as the 2020 Law on the Elimination of Reactionary Thought and Culture. These findings led to specific recommendations urging reforms to put a definitive end to such practices.
Our participation was not merely about presenting data; it was an opportunity to amplify the voices of those most affected by North Korea’s prison system and to engage in meaningful dialogue with Member States during a dynamic Q&A session. The unfortunate absence of North Korea’s delegation only reinforced the imperative of our participation as we sought to shape the outcomes of the upcoming UPR working group review and help fulfil its mandate, by ensuring it remains rooted in credible, independently verified evidence and focused on accountability.
Korea Future's role in the UPR process is vital. By presenting carefully collected data, elevating the voices of survivors, and facilitating direct engagement with Member States, we aim to foster a more transparent, just, and accountable international response to human rights violations in North Korea. This engagement is not merely a procedural formality; it is yet another meaningful step towards our vision of achieving justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.
Moving forward, we are committed to continuing our advocacy for accountability and reform in North Korea, including the cessation of arbitrary detentions and the improvement of detention conditions. By shining a light on these pressing issues, we seek to contribute to a future where the human rights of North Koreans are not only acknowledged but actively upheld.