Congratulatory Remarks
by H.E. Yun Byung-se
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Opening of the OHCHR Office (Seoul)
June 23, 2015

High Commissioner Zeid (자이드),
Chairwoman Na,
Minister Hong,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we are taking part in a historic milestone for Korea and the United Nations. The opening of the OHCHR Office Seoul is a major step forward in protecting and promoting human rights and human dignity in North Korea.

Indeed, we have come a long way since May 2013, when Judge Kirby was appointed to lead an inquiry on the North Korean human rights situation. Its outcome, last year’s historic Commission of Inquiry (COI) report, recommended the establishment of a field office, and the OHCHR requested my government to host it in Seoul. My government decided to honor the UN’s offer, demonstrating our commitment to and respect for human rights.

The fact that this OHCHR Office has come into being in just two year’s time shows the aspirations and the overwhelming support of the international community towards improving the human rights situation in North Korea.

This year marks the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. At that time, few would have thought this document would serve as the polestar for humankind and change the course of history by putting the rule of law at the heart of governance. This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, whose Charter enshrines human rights as its key tenet.

So there is no better time to reaffirm our commitment to their ideals – putting people first. History may have ups and downs, twists and turns, but from a long perspective, it has been the progress of human rights and the humanitarian spirit.

Like Neil Armstrong once remarked, “a small step for a man” can be “a giant leap for mankind.” In the same vein, I am convinced that the establishment of this office opens a new chapter in the international community’s endeavors in dealing with the North Korean human rights situation.

This Office is expected to help improve the human rights and human dignity of North Koreans. Human rights are a universal value, transcending political systems or ideologies. This Office is not about political motives or hidden agendas – it is about making sure that everyone will be able to enjoy their human rights.

So without doubt, one day, the people of Korea will see that the opening of this Office was an insightful and visionary step. In that sense, today we are all witnesses, present at the creation of a historic moment.

Ladies and gentlemen,

For my government, respect for human rights is an inherent element of our diplomacy. When President Park Geun-hye proposed the “agenda for humanity” in her Dresden address last year, she expanded this aspect of our diplomacy to cover the whole people of the Korean peninsula. To realize this goal, it is important that the resources being devoted to developing North Korea’s nuclear weapons programs should be put to better use, to improve the quality of their lives.

For the international community, last year’s Commission of Inquiry report was a wake-up call and an eye-opener. That impartial and independent report drew upon the testimony of hundreds of victims to draw a harrowing picture of North Korea’s human rights situation.

Indeed, it is fair to say that the international community’s response to North Korea’s human rights abuses can be divided into two eras: before and after the COI report. The international community’s actions have been swift, decisive and comprehensive. The Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly adopted robust resolutions, and for the first time, the Security Council put the issue on its agenda.

As such, the international community has high expectations on the OHCHR’s field office in Seoul. This Office is a hard-won achievement. But it is just a beginning. There lies a long road ahead of us. As the host government, we hope it will perform three important functions.

First, as a clearing house for monitoring and recording the human rights situation in North Korea.

Second, as a catalyst in raising awareness, networking with human rights advocates and related stakeholders across the board.

Third, as a contributor to protecting and promoting the human rights of the people of North Korea. Without doubt, other UN agencies and the international community will extend a helping hand. For our part, let me assure you that my government will spare no efforts in doing so.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that all of the UN’s activities hold the face of human rights. And High Commissioner Zeid pointed out recently, quote, “every day is Human Rights Day, a day on which we work to ensure that all people can gain equality, dignity and freedom,” unquote.

So today, as we open the North Korea human rights office, let us work together, so that one day, the people of North Korea will come to enjoy the same equality, dignity and freedom they so rightly deserve.

In closing, I thank High Commissioner Zeid, former High Commissioner Pillay, Chairman Kirby and members of the COI, as well as the OHCHR for helping make this office become a reality. Thank you. /끝/