Interactive Dialogue with Elizabeth Salmón, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)

As Delivered by Jesse Elmore

Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America

Human Rights Council – 52nd Session

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Madame Special Rapporteur, for your overview of the situation in the DPRK.

We commend the efforts of the Special Rapporteur to take a victim-centered approach and to find solutions to the human rights violations and abuses in the DPRK. It is well past time for the DPRK to recognize your mandate and allow a visit.

We also commend civil society groups for their continued documentation of the government’s human rights violations and abuses. We urge the DPRK to take immediate steps to improve its egregious record.

We strongly condemn the DPRK’s use of pressure on other countries to return refugees, who may face torture or persecution following forced repatriation. We urge states to uphold their non-refoulement obligations, including with respect to DPRK nationals in their territory in need of protection.

Madam Special Rapporteur, how can Member States assist mandate holders in their efforts to obtain access to the DPRK?

I thank you.

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