1. The Third Committee of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) by consensus without a vote on November 14.

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2. The government of the Republic of Korea participated in the consensus process of this year’s resolution under its basic position that it works with the international community toward substantial improvements in the human rights situation of the people of the DPRK.

3. The content of this year’s resolution is largely similar to those of the previous resolutions on the situation of human rights in the DPRK. With regard to the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the resolution includes new elements -- an emphasis on the importance of dialogue and engagements, including inter-Korean dialogue, to seek improvement of the human rights and humanitarian situation in the country, as well as on the importance of allowing permanent regular reunions and contact between separated families, including through regular written correspondence, video reunions, and the exchange of video messages.

4. However, in comprehensive consideration of the overall circumstances, such as the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, the ROK government did not co-sponsor this year’s resolution.

° It is the unwavering position of the ROK government that it is concerned about the human rights situation of the DPRK and will make efforts to substantially promote the human rights of the people of the DPRK. Accordingly, the ROK government will continue efforts to promote the human rights in the DPRK through peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.