Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the UN Security Council Arria-formula Meeting "The Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea"
Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting “The Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” on Friday, 17 March 2023.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to thank the Permanent Mission of Albania and the United States Mission for this opportunity to talk about the outstanding issue of the situation of human rights in the DPRK, as well as to thank the briefers for the information they shared with us.
Lithuania aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. In our national capacity, I would like to underline the following.
The human rights and humanitarian situation in the DPRK is a serious concern that requires attention and action from the international community. Numerous reports continue to indicate that the government of the DPRK is committing a range of human rights abuses and violations against its own citizens, including restrictions on freedom of expression, forced labor, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, in particular against women and girls, and other forms of cruel and inhuman treatment. These also include violations that the Commission of Inquiry, established ten years ago, said might amount to crimes against humanity. The international community must cooperate in order to take appropriate action to ensure accountability for these human rights violations.
The current isolation of the DPRK and the lack of information coming out of the country are significant challenges in terms of assessing the extent of human rights abuses and violations. It also underscores the need for sustained and coordinated efforts by the international community to address this issue. In this regard, we continue to express our support for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and the work of OHCHR. We also express our strong message of solidarity with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and other stakeholders who are working to document and expose human rights violations and abuses in the DPRK via witness testimony and satellite imagery analysis. The international community should provide significant support to these actors and facilitate their engagement with international mechanisms.
Moreover, the human rights violations and abuses perpetrated by the DPRK’s government are inevitably linked to the country’s unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. The DPRK oppresses and exploits its own people at home and abroad in order to procure the funds needed for its weapons programs. Addressing the human rights situation in the DPRK is therefore critical not only for the protection of human rights, but also for promoting regional and global security.
We encourage the UN Security Council to increase its efforts by working closely together and continuing to consider the relevant conclusions and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry on human rights, as well as addressing all developments in the DPRK that pose a threat to international peace and security.
I thank you.
