The United Nations has classified the detention of South Korean missionaries in North Korea as arbitrary and has called for their immediate release, citing violations of international law. The South Korean government condemned North Korea’s actions and committed to working with international partners to address the situation.
The United Nations has deemed the prolonged detention of South Korean missionaries in North Korea as “arbitrary” and has urged for their immediate release. On a recent Wednesday in Geneva, the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) expressed that the imprisonment of Kim Jung-wook, Kim Kook-kie, and Choi Chun-gil represents a breach of international law due to its discriminatory nature against foreign nationals engaged in religious missions.
The WGAD’s report highlighted that the detention is based on discriminatory intent, specifically targeting these missionaries for their humanitarian and Christian activities. It indicated that, under international law, the proper remedy is for the immediate release of the detainees alongside an enforceable right to compensation and reparations.
This resolution followed a petition from the families of the missionaries submitted in July, seeking a judgment on the legality of their detainment. In response to the WGAD’s inquiries, North Korea asserted that the petition had political motivations and claimed it did not infringe upon international law. However, the U.N. panel dismissed this argument as unfounded.
Following the U.N. ruling, South Korea’s Ministry of Unification condemned North Korea’s actions, declaring them a blatant violation of international law. The deputy spokesperson for the ministry, Kim In-ae, stated that the international community has affirmed the illegality of North Korea’s detention of these individuals and urged for their immediate and unconditional release.
The South Korean government has committed to collaborating with international partners, including the United States and the United Kingdom, to expediently resolve this matter. One notable case is that of Kim Jung-wook, who was apprehended on October 8, 2013, while performing humanitarian work for North Korean defectors and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014 for various charges. Similarly, the other missionaries were apprehended and received equivalent sentences in subsequent years.
In addition, three North Korean defectors with South Korean citizenship were also detained in 2016; however, their cases remain unexamined by the WGAD due to the absence of a submitted petition.
In conclusion, the U.N. has characterized the detention of South Korean missionaries in North Korea as arbitrary, reinforcing the necessity for their immediate release in light of international law violations. The South Korean government stands firm in its condemnation of North Korea’s actions and is dedicated to coordinating efforts with international allies to resolve this humanitarian issue. The plight of the missionaries and the impact of their detention highlight the broader concerns regarding human rights in North Korea.
Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
