Date: Monday, March 6, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:32 A.M.

1. Ministry to launch the North Korean Human Rights Committee

As the establishment of the North Korean Human Rights Foundation has been delayed for seven years, the Unification Ministry will launch the North Korean Human Rights Committee, an advisory body to the Unification Minister, in order to implement the purpose of the North Korean Human Rights Act.

Until the North Korean Human Rights Foundation is formally launched in cooperation with the National Assembly, the North Korean Human Rights Committee will serve diverse roles including preparation for the launch of the Foundation, gathering opinion and starting public debate for promoting North Korean human rights, and providing advice on support for civic groups.

The North Korean Human Rights Committee is comprised of 12 experts on promoting North Korean human rights, including several members recommended for directors of the North Korean Human Rights Foundation. The first meeting will be held on March 10 at 3:00 P.M. chaired by the Unification Minister.

2. Minister’s Schedule

On March 8, Unification Minister Kwon Youngse will meet with David Ellis, the British Ambassador to North Korea, and Colin Crooks, the British Ambassador to South Korea.

Minister Kwon and the two ambassadors will share the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and exchange views on inter-Korean relations, and will discuss ways for Korea and the UK to cooperate on North Korea policy.

On March 9, Minister Kwon will meet with a chairman and members of the Unification Future Planning Committee.

The Ministry recently completed the selection of members of the Unification Future Planning Committee and issued regulations on the composition and operation of the committee on February 28. The first meeting of the Committee will be held soon.