Statement delivered by Ms. Neishanta Benn, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Guyana, at the Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)

Thank you, Mr. President,

Guyana joins in extending our deepest condolences to the Government and people of Malawi during this period of national mourning.

I thank High Commissioner Türk, and Ms. Salmón for their briefings. I also take careful note of Mr. Kim’s testimony.

Guyana supports the work of the OHCHR and special procedures mandate holders and commends their important contribution to promoting greater respect for human rights and to strengthening global norms and standards.

Mr. President,

Guyana is concerned about the continued documentation of human rights violations in the DPRK, including restrictions on civil and political rights and economic and social rights. We took note of the Special Rapporteur’s latest report to the General Assembly and its emphasis on the interlinkages between human rights and peace and security, as well as women, peace and security.

Given the centrality of human rights to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we appreciate having this opportunity for a closer examination of the observed linkages and their impact on the work of the Security Council.

Mr. President,

Human rights are inherent to all human beings and essential to sustainable peace and development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commits us to ‘leaving no one behind’ and is grounded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights standards. Guyana, therefore, views promoting and protecting basic human rights as fundamental to attaining sustainable peace, security, and development.

In this context, we note with growing concern the many reports of systematic and widespread human rights violations taking place in the DPRK, including instances of enforced disappearances, international abductions, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on basic freedoms. We also took careful note of the reported impact that these violations are having on the already precarious humanitarian situation in the country and on the lives of women and girls. The situation has regrettably been made worse by the prioritization of military spending over social protection, education, and health care.

Guyana agrees with the assessment of the Special Rapporteur that a victim-centric or victim-centred approach is critical for providing a more holistic view of the experiences of individuals whose rights have been violated.

We urge the government of the DPRK to enhance its commitment to promoting civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, and to pursue a peaceful path to development that fully aligns with its obligations as a UN Member State. We also emphasize the importance of ensuring the equal participation of women in political and public decision-making. In this context, Guyana takes positive note of indications that there have been some increase in the representation of women in government bodies in the DPRK and emphasizes that women must be critical actors in all efforts to achieve sustainable peace. This includes all engagements in the context of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.

Guyana has consistently encouraged a peaceful resolution to mounting tensions and the security crisis on the Korean Peninsula and calls upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint. We stress that dialogue and adherence to the rule of law are the best paths to peace.

In conclusion, Mr. President, Guyana underscores the importance of respecting the human rights of all persons without discrimination and urges the Government of the DPRK to comply with its obligations under the ICCPR and other relevant international human rights instruments. We also urge the DPRK to consider acceding to other core international human rights treaties to which it is not yet a party and to engage constructively in the next UPR cycle in November. We hope that all recommendations accepted during the coming session will be fully implemented.

Finally, Guyana reiterates its support for the humanitarian exemption mechanism of the 1718 Committee in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in the DPRK.

I thank you.