On 23 September 2025, the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) delivered a statement at the 60th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in North Korea. The statement, prepared with the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), underscored the need for renewed international commitment and support to victims of human rights violations in North Korea, 10 years after the publication of the UN-mandate Commission of Inquiry’s report on North Korea. Read the statement below.
23 September 2025. UN Human Rights Council – 60th Session
Item 4: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Mister President,
NKDB and FIDH commend the High Commissioner’s 10-year assessment report and urge UN member states to act on its recommendations.
Over the past decade, the DPRK has sealed its borders, criminalised communication, and systematically denied its people their right to information and contact with the outside world, in flagrant violation of international human rights law. The findings of the High Commissioner’s latest report confirm that repression has deepened, and victims have remained without justice or remedy.
In recent years, the DPRK has also actively contributed to blatant violations of international law by deploying its soldiers to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine. A domestic human rights crisis has now evolved into a broader threat to international peace and security —one that this Council cannot afford to ignore.
Mr. President,
10 years ago, the Commission of Inquiry’s report on human rights in the DPRK was monumental. It provided undeniable evidence of crimes against humanity and placed the plight of the North Korean people firmly on the international agenda. Yet, today, that momentum requires new impetus.
We therefore call for renewed commitment and support to truth and justice for victims of human rights violations in North Korea, through both judicial measures and non-judicial mechanisms, including memorialisation, truth-telling, and psychosocial support.
The victims cannot wait another decade for justice. Their rights and dignity must be upheld, their suffering must be neither forgotten nor ignored.
Thank you.
