UN Demands Immediate Release of South Korean Missionaries Detained by North Korea
The U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has declared the imprisonment of three South Korean missionaries by North Korea as arbitrary and unlawful, demanding their release after nearly 11 years. The group’s findings highlight serious concerns regarding human rights violations in the DPRK.
A recent conclusion by a United Nations working group states that North Korea’s detention of three South Korean missionaries violates international law. This decision highlights the arbitrary nature of their imprisonment, which has persisted for nearly 11 years without legal justification. The detainees are identified as Kim Jung-wook, Kim Kook-kie, and Choi Chun-gil, according to a statement by South Korea’s Ministry of Unification.
The U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD), based in Geneva, formally demanded the immediate release of the imprisoned missionaries. The WGAD’s assertion underscores the lack of legal standards governing their detention, further emphasizing the importance of adhering to international human rights norms.
The situation has drawn considerable attention, illustrating ongoing concerns regarding human rights in North Korea. Seoul has actively engaged with international bodies to advocate for the rights and release of its citizens unjustly imprisoned in the country, reinforcing its commitment to human rights efforts on the global stage.
In conclusion, the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s demand for the release of three South Korean missionaries highlights serious concerns regarding the violation of international law in North Korea. The arbitrary nature of their lengthy detention points to broader human rights issues within the DPRK. Continued advocacy for their release will be crucial in the pursuit of human rights and justice for South Koreans held in North Korea.
Original Source: www.nknews.org
