To honor the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry report on North Korean human rights, a U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral meeting took place in Washington, D.C., led by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, South Korean Minister of Unification Kim Yung-ho, and Japan’s Ambassador Shigeo Yamada. The meeting reaffirmed the commitments made at the Camp David Summit earlier in 2023, focusing on the unresolved issues of North Korean abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war. In addition, the engagement aimed to strengthen collaboration on advancing human rights for North Koreans still living under the regime, as well as those who have escaped.
The U.S. government remains committed to a survivor-centered approach when addressing North Korean human rights. The focus is on empowering North Korean escapees by amplifying their stories and providing the resources necessary to help them integrate into democratic systems. The State Department has worked closely with educational and civil society groups to ensure escapees have access to tools for rebuilding their lives in safety and freedom.
As a testament to this commitment, the State Department announced the creation of a new resource hub that offers educational opportunities and English language training to North Korean refugees. This hub will also facilitate a network of stakeholders working to address human rights violations in North Korea.
Educational and cultural exchange programs have played a vital role in helping North Korean escapees, with over 200 individuals participating in initiatives such as the Fulbright Program and the International Visitor Leadership Program. Additionally, more than 500 people have undergone English language training to ease their transition into life in the United States.
The “Friends for Future” network also stands as a critical resource for North Korean refugees in the U.S. This community-based initiative connects North Korean escapees with services aimed at promoting dignity and integration, including legal, educational, and professional resources provided by various organizations experienced in supporting immigrant and refugee populations.
Looking ahead, the U.S. State Department’s Diplomacy Lab is launching three new projects focused on North Korean human rights for the Spring 2025 semester. These projects, designed for academic collaboration with over 60 U.S. universities, will explore innovative solutions, such as increasing North Koreans’ access to independent information and addressing the issue of forced labor within the DPRK’s supply chains. The initiative empowers students and faculty to contribute their expertise to addressing complex global challenges, all while advancing U.S. diplomatic and human rights objectives.