1. A resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) was adopted by consensus at the Third Committee of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on November 18.

2. The government of the Republic of Korea joined the consensus as it did last year in line with its basic position that it works with the international community toward substantive improvements in the human rights situation of the people of the DPRK.

3. The language of this year’s resolution is largely similar to that of last year’s resolution on the situation of human rights in the DPRK, while some elements including the following have been newly added or revised.

o With regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, the resolution expresses concern over the negative impact of COVID-19 on the DPRK’s human rights and humanitarian situation, and stresses that any restrictions to address the pandemic should be in conformity with international human rights law.

o With regard to the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the resolution stresses the urgency and importance of the issue of separated families; stresses the importance of dialogue and engagement, including inter-Korean dialogue; encourages the countries which have an ongoing dialogue with the DPRK to continue to advocate for the establishment of lasting peace and security in the Korean Peninsula and to address the human rights situation; and encourages countries to support efforts aimed at improving dialogue on the humanitarian and human rights situation in the DPRK, including inter-Korean dialogue and international abduction.