Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Statement by Norway on 11 March 2019, as delivered by Minister Counsellor Herborg Alvsaaker.

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Norway thanks the Special Rapporteur for his comments and look forward to receiving the latest  report on the human rights situation in the DPRK. We share his grave concern regarding the continued and ongoing systematic and widespread human rights violations in the DPRK, as well as the serious challenges to improving the human rights situation.

It is important that the protection of human rights in the DPRK remains high on the international agenda. Furthermore, we share the Special Rapporteur’s repeated concern that the implementation of Security Council sanctions may have an adverse impact on humanitarian needs.  In this regard, we support the call on the DPRK to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur and relevant parts of the United Nations. The humanitarian situation remains serious, with vulnerable people suffering food and nutrition insecurity and lack of access to adequate healthcare.

Norway welcomes the ongoing diplomatic efforts towards achieving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. It represents an opportunity to improve the situation through closer cooperation with the international community.