The United Nations has labeled the North Korean detention of South Korean missionaries as arbitrary, calling for their immediate release. The WGAD noted that their detention breaches international law. South Korea condemned the actions and urged for an unconditional release, alongside collaborating with international partners for resolution.
The United Nations has deemed the extended imprisonment of South Korean missionaries in North Korea as “arbitrary” and urged for their immediate release. On Wednesday, the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) announced that the detainment of Kim Jung-wook, Kim Kook-kie, and Choi Chun-gil violates international law, as per its opinion adopted during a session in Geneva.
The WGAD reported, “The detention of Mr. Jung-wook Kim, Mr. Kook-ki Kim and Mr. Chun-gil Choi is arbitrary as they have been deprived of their liberty for reasons of discriminatory intent against them, because they were foreign nationals and because of their religious and humanitarian work as Christian missionaries.” Furthermore, the panel recommended their immediate release along with compensation in line with international law.
This decision follows a petition submitted last July by relatives of the detainees, seeking an evaluation of the legality regarding their imprisonment. North Korea contended that the petition was politically motivated and insisted it did not breach international law; however, this argument was dismissed by the U.N. panel.
The South Korean Ministry of Unification condemned North Korea’s actions on Thursday, labeling them a “blatant violation of international law.” Deputy spokesperson Kim In-ae remarked, “The international community has officially confirmed that North Korea’s detention of these individuals is illegal” and urged for the prompt and unconditional release of these citizens.
In addition, the South Korean government reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with global partners, including the United States and the United Kingdom, to address the situation expediently. Kim Jung-wook was arrested in October 2013 during humanitarian missions, followed by life sentences for various charges including conspiracy. Similarly, his fellow missionaries were detained shortly afterwards under comparable circumstances.
The U.N.’s classification of the detention of South Korean missionaries in North Korea as arbitrary is significant in highlighting the violation of international law by the North Korean authorities. The international community, as expressed by South Korea, continues to press for their release. Immediate action and collaboration with global partners appear crucial in resolving this humanitarian issue.
Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
