The report published yesterday by the US Administration concerning serious human rights abuses and censorship in North Korea once again shines a terrifying light on conditions within the country. In spite of all of the efforts made by the international community, the situation has not improved. This is now the fourth report of its kind published by the US Administration. With unusual explicitness it names the individuals and agencies responsible for egregious human rights abuses. Germany supports the efforts of the international community to document and – where possible – to prosecute the culprits.

In addition, the human rights situation in North Korea must be addressed in all political contacts with the regime. We will highlight this in particular in the context of the Universal Periodic Review, which North Korea is due to undergo in 2019. Germany is especially committed to this goal. It was the first country in the world to include dialogue on human rights as part of the protocol on establishing diplomatic relations with North Korea.