International Legal response toward North Korean Human Rights Abuses Sunny Park

Research Question Under Neo-liberalism perspective, what actions should international community take against North Korean human rights crisis?

Order of Presentation I.Justification of selection of driven lens (neo-liberalism: institutionalism). II.Human Rights Crisis in North Korea: What’s happening in North Korea? III.International Communities’ Response to Human Rights Abuses in North Korea IV.Neo-liberalism approach to North Korean human rights crisis V.Conclusion VI.References

Driven Lens: Neo-liberal Institutionalism Developed by critics of realism/Neo-realism Focuses on how IGOs and other non-state actors promote cooperation and peace Examines how states cooperate with each other and de-emphasize conflict Points to regional integration, especially the European Union

Driven Lens: Neo-liberal Institutionalism Neo-liberal institutionalism assumes – States are key actors in international relations but not the only significant actors – States seek to maximize absolute gains through cooperation – The greatest obstacle to successful cooperation is non-compliance or cheating by states. – Cooperation is never without problems, but states will shift loyalty and resources beneficial and if they are seen as mutually beneficial and if they provide states with increasing opportunities to secure their international interest.

North Korea?

North Korean Leaders: Kim’s family dictatorship "Great Leader" Kim Il-sung, – Grandfather – First premier – Born 1912; died 1994 "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-il – Father – Second premier – Born 1942; died 2011 “The Great Successor” Kim Jong-un – Premier since 2011 – Born 1983 or 1984

What Happens in North Korea?

UN Policy toward North Korea The UN Human Rights Council emphasizes the need for the North Korea to ensure the overall protection and promotion of Human Rights in the country as provided under the international Human Rights instrument. It stresses the need for the international community to provide continued humanitarian support to the North Korean and calls on the regime to address continued food scarcity in the country by providing effective measures.

UN’s Response to Human Rights Abuses in NK The United Nations unanimously adopted a resolution that denounces North Korea's worsening human rights violations, including its brutal treatment of political prisoners in concentration camps. ( ). The resolution will be submitted to the U.N. General Assembly for a formal vote next year

EU’s Response to Human Rights Abuses in NK The EU has raised the Human Rights situation in North Korea through its own mechanism such as the Delegation for Relations with the South Korea. The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling the North Korean government to – Comply with the principles set out in the international Human Rights treaties it has ratified and incorporate these principles into domestic law – Abolish the death penalty; release all people detained or imprisoned for the peace exercise of fundamental Human Rights – Guarantee freedom of expression and freedom of movement for all North Koreans – Review existing legislation to ensure that it comforts with international Human Rights standards, and introduce safeguards to provide citizens with protections and remedies against Human Rights violations

US’s Response to Human Rights Abuses in NK Congressional concern about human rights in North Korea and conditions faced by North Korean refugees led to the passage of the North Korean Human Rights Act (NKHRA) in The legislation addresses U.S. policy on issues including radio broadcasting into North Korea, humanitarian assistance to North Koreans within and outside of the DPRK, and North Korean eligibility for refugee status in the United States.

South Korea’s Response to Human Rights Abuses in NK South Korean government has long struggled with the questions of how to approach the issue of North Korean human rights. This issue has been a particular policy dilemma in South Korea, where people are deeply sympathetic to those suffering, but are equally concerned about security and unification. In recent years, South Korea’s policy response has been characterized by partisan division and bitter disputes. – The debate has centered on efforts to pass a North Korean Human Rights Act, and the question of whether the South Korean National Human Rights Commission should address issues in the North Korea.

Neo-liberalism’s Approach to N.K Human Rights Issues North Korean human rights issues can be addressed by the international community – In order to enhance Human Rights situation in NK, the International community have to offer political and economic incentives to the North Korea – Offering these incentives can be overtured if the NK regime tries to solve major Human Rights issues including public execution.

Movie “Crossing”

Conclusion Today, human rights issues are no longer a domestic concern. Human rights have now become a universal value and a common concern to the entire international community. The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights is now recognized as part of customary international law. It is incumbent for the international community to uphold and promote standards of universal human rights and continue to pursue various methods to maintain a constructive dialogue with North Korea to improve their human rights situation. From Neo-liberalism perspective, the international community must make Human Rights for North Koreans the central part of any discussions, any negotiations at every level and at every venue to improve the Human Rights for the North Korean people.

Q&A Questions?

References Tim Dunne, Milja Kurki and Steve Smith. eds. International Relations Theories. Discipline and Diversity. New York: Oxford University Press, ISBN-10: Print. Christian Reus-Smit and Duncan Snidal, eds. The Oxford Handbook of International Relations. New York: Oxford University Press, ISBN-10: X. Print. Howe Brendan ∙Kah-ul Kim. North Korea: Policy Failures, Human Insecurity, Consequences, and Prescriptions. Korea Observer, Vol. 42, No. 2, Summer Print. Lee Sang-Soo. Universalism vs. Relativism: U.S Human Rights Policy towards China and North Korea. The Korean Journal of Security Affairs, NEED Vol. 13, 2008, p Web. EU Policy on North Korea. HRWF. Web. Noland Marcus. "North Korea's Recurrent Humanitarian Crises." The Daily NK Darusm. Marzuki. Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. HRNK. Feb Web. Human Rights in North Korea. Human Rights Watch Web. Heikin, NC. “Kimjongilia trailer.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 07 July Web. 20.Oct LiNK Global. “Danny From North Korea.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube. 15 Apr Web. 20 Oct 조정현, 김수암, 손기웅, 이규창 외. “ 북한인권백서 2013.” 13. Aug Web. 21 Oct