• Seoul hosted the ‘Seoul Forum on North Korean Human Rights 2024’ to celebrate the designation of North Korean Defectors’ Day
• Key participants included Julie Turner, U.S. Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights, and Elizabeth Salmón, UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights
• Discussed the realities of human rights in North Korea, international cooperation strategies, and comprehensive support measures to support the complete settlement of North Korean defectors
• Approximately 6,400 North Korean defectors reside in Seoul, receiving support in medical care, education, and learning
• Mayor Oh vowed that Seoul will take the lead in improving human rights in the North and supporting settlement of North Korean defectors through close cooperation with the international community

The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) has become the first local government to host the ‘North Korean Human Rights Forum,’ which had been organized primarily by the government or academic institutions, providing a venue for meaningful discussions. This forum aims to shed light on the reality of human rights violations suffered by North Korean residents and to explore ways to cooperate with the international community to improve human rights as a universal value that should be enjoyed and equally guaranteed by everyone regardless of time and space.

This year is particularly significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of the UN Commission of Inquiry’s (COI’s) Report on North Korean Human Rights and the designation of ‘North Korean Defectors’ Day’ (Jul. 14) as a national commemorative day.

The SMG announced that it held the ‘Seoul Forum on North Korean Human Rights 2024’ on Thu, Jul. 11, at 2 PM in the Multipurpose Hall (8th floor) of Seoul City Hall. The forum was held in two sessions on the topics of the reality of North Korean human rights and international cooperation strategies, the journey toward freedom, and solidarity with North Korean defectors.

In his keynote speech, Mayor Oh Se-hoon said, “Seoul is home to approximately 6,400 North Korean defectors, whose settlement is referred to as the ‘unification that came first.’ We are committed to providing various forms of support to ensure their complete settlement. The SMG will lead the efforts to create an environment where North Korean defectors can enjoy true human rights and dream of a happy future in South Korea.”

The ‘Seoul Forum on North Korean Human Rights 2024’ was live-streamed globally through the official YouTube channel of SMG and is available for replay.

SMG’s official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok2iWVW8Iew