1. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will visit Geneva from February 23 till 25 to attend the High-Level Segments of the 40th session of the UN Human Rights Council and the Conference on Disarmament (CD).

※ The upcoming High-Level Segments will be attended by about 90 high-level officials, including heads of state or government, and ministerial-level officials of each country.

2. In her keynote speech at the High-Level Segment of the Human Rights Council on the afternoon of February 25, Minister Kang will stress the need to strengthen international cooperation to improve the human rights situations around the world, especially those of vulnerable groups. She will also talk about new challenges, including new technology and human rights; sexual violence in conflict, including the “comfort women” issue; efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula, and human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; and other issues of interest regarding human rights.

3. In her remarks at the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament, a multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, on the morning of February 25, Minister Kang will explain the Republic of Korea government’s efforts to achieve complete denuclearization and to establish a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, and express hope for further progress. The Minister will also underline the importance of the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime in the changing global security environment, and express the ROK’s willingness to make contributions in the area.

4. During her visit to Geneva, Minister Kang will meet with heads of international organizations, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, and foreign ministers from major countries, and exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

* unofficial translation