1. On the occasion of the high-level segment of the 43^rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held in Geneva, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on the morning of February 24 and discussed ways of cooperation between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) as well as key human rights issues.

2. Minister Kang appreciated High Commissioner Bachelet for her hard work in promoting and protecting human rights across the world through various field activities since her inauguration in 2018, adding that, as a member of the HRC for the 2020-2022 term, the ROK government will continue to take part in the international community’s efforts to respond to human rights crises and to overcome new challenges.

° High Commissioner Bachelet, extending appreciation to the ROK government for its active support for the OHCHR activities, voiced hope for continued cooperation between the two sides.

3. Minister Kang mentioned that the ROK government is taking an active part in the international community’s efforts to resolve the issue of sexual violence in conflicts around the world, introduced the “Action with Women and Peace” initiative launched by the ROK government in 2018 as part of such efforts, and asked for the High Commissioner’s interest in and support for the 2^nd International Conference to take place in 2020.

4. High Commissioner Bachelet commended the ROK government for leading discussions on new and emerging digital technologies and human rights as well as local governments and human rights, as could be seen from the adoption of relevant HRC resolutions. Minister Kang suggested that the two sides continue close consultations in order to make progress in those discussions. 

5. The meeting between Minister Kang and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is seen to have served as an opportunity to express the ROK government’s commitment to active participation in the OHCHR-led efforts of the international community to promote and protect human rights, as well as an opportunity to enhance the two sides’ understanding and will to cooperate on key human rights issues, such as the issue of sexual violence in conflict, new and emerging digital technologies and human rights, and local governments and human rights.