U.N. Classifies North Korea’s Detention of Missionaries as Arbitrary

The U.N. has declared the detention of South Korean missionaries in North Korea as arbitrary and calls for their release, citing violations of international law. The decision comes after a petition from their families. North Korea’s defense of its actions was rejected by the U.N. The South Korean government condemns these actions and seeks international cooperation to resolve the issue swiftly.

The United Nations has declared North Korea’s ongoing detention of South Korean missionaries as “arbitrary” and has called for their prompt release. This declaration by the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD), which operates under the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, criticizes North Korea’s actions as a violation of international law concerning the imprisonment of Kim Jung-wook, Kim Kook-kie, and Choi Chun-gil.

In their report, the WGAD emphasized that the detention of these missionaries is unjust, noting that their imprisonment stems from discriminatory motives against them due to their foreign nationality and their humanitarian efforts as Christian missionaries. The Working Group recommended the immediate release of the detainees and asserted that they are entitled to compensation and other reparations as per international law.

The U.N.’s decision follows a petition submitted last July by the families of the missionaries, seeking a ruling on the legality of their extended detention. North Korea contended that the petition was politically motivated and that it adhered to international law; however, the WGAD dismissed this assertion.

The South Korean Ministry of Unification condemned North Korea’s actions as a severe infringement of international law, with Deputy Spokesperson Kim In-ae stating, “The international community has officially confirmed that North Korea’s detention of these individuals is illegal.” Furthermore, the South Korean government pledged to collaborate with global partners, including the United States and the United Kingdom, to expedite a resolution.

Kim Jung-wook had been engaged in humanitarian and missionary work for North Korean defectors in Dandong, China, when he was arrested in October 2013. He received a life sentence with hard labor in May 2014 on charges including conspiracy against the state. Similarly, Kim Kuk-gi and Choi Chun-gil were arrested in October and December of 2014 and received life sentences in June 2015 for comparable charges. Notably, three North Korean defectors with South Korean citizenship were detained in 2016, although their cases were not reviewed by the WGAD as no petitions were submitted.

The United Nations has deemed the detention of South Korean missionaries by North Korea arbitrary and contrary to international law. This determination reinforces concerns over human rights in North Korea and underscores the need for their immediate release. The South Korean government is actively seeking international support to resolve this matter, emphasizing the illegality of the imprisonments and advocating for the missionaries’ rights and welfare.

Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr