Congratulatory

remarks

Seok Dong-hyun

Secretary General of the PUAC

Greetings:

I am Seok Dong Hyeon, the Secretary General of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council. With great pleasure, I congratulate you on organizing the Hawaii Conference 2023: North Korean Human Rights.This year, the United Nations again adopted the North Korean Human Rights Resolution for the 19th consecutive year. As the importance and seriousness of North Korean human rights issues are on the rise, it is significant that experts from South Korea and the United States are gathering together to discuss North Korean human rights.

I hope that this conference will shed a multidisciplinary light on human rights issues in North Korea and provide practical solutions that the international community can implement.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Myong-Hae Kim, the chairwoman of the PUAC Special Committee for Global Strategy, Mr. Bong Ryong Park, the president of the PUAC Hawaii Chapter, Consul General Seoyung Lee from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Honolulu, and all the staff members of the East-West Center for their efforts in preparing for this conference. I wish all of you attending the conference good health and luck. Thank you.
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December 4, 2023
Seok Dong Hyeon
Secretary General of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC)

Kim Yung-ho

Unification Minister

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I extend my warmest congratulations to ‘North Korean Human Rights Hawaii Conference 2023’. I would like thank Chairperson of the Global Strategy Committee of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council AnnieChan, President of the East-West Center Suzanne Vares-Lum and all participants who are with us today with your keen interest on North Korean human rights issues.

Human rights is an universal value of humanity that people in the North Korea are no exception to. Yoon Suk Yeol administration, since its beginning has been leading efforts to promote human rights in North Korea believing that it is our responsibility to do so. We have published government’s first Report on North Korean Human Rights, returned as a co-sponsor to UN’s North Korea Human Rights Resolution and we are making pragmatic contribution to advance North Korea’s human rights. North Korea’s human rights issue is a high priority task for the strengthened ROK-US alliance. The trilateral summit at the Camp David paved the way for ROK-US-Japan to advance cooperation for North Korea’s human rights, and last November, the ROK and the US restarted North Korea Human Rights Consultation Group for the first time in 6 years, strengthening our solidarity to promote human rights in North Korea.

This December, we will let the world know about the North Korea’s human rights situation by announcing the ROK government’s comprehensive roadmap to promote North Korea’s human rights situation and by publishing report on North Korea’s economy and society. If we can bring together international community’s interest and will as unified voice to request North Korea to promote its human rights situation, at the end of the day, North Korea will change. The ROK government will always open the door for dialogue with North Korea and we sincerely hope that the North will respond to our proposal and develop inter-Korean relations in arighteous direction.

120 years ago, the first group of Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii. Under harsh working condition and difficulties arising from settling in a country far from their own, worked tirelessly to support independent movement to reclaim our country and the Korean war to defend democracy. The Korean diaspora in Hawaii made continuous contribution to develop the Republic of Korea as a country where freedom and human rights areguaranteed. Today’s conference will do the same for the North.

I wish all the best and success for the ‘North Korean Human Rights Hawaii Conference 2023’, and sincerely hope that today’s conference will facilitate discussions on North Korean human rights in Hawaii.

Sylvia Luke

Lieutenant Governor

On behalf of the State of Hawaiʻi, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC)’s Global Strategy Committee, the East-West Center, and the Republic of Korea Consulate General in Honolulu for their commendable efforts in organizing the North Korean Human Rights Hawaii Conference 2023.

This noteworthy event brings together human rights ambassadors and experts from both the United States and the Republic of Korea, focusing on raising awareness about North Korea’s persistent human rights violations and exploring effective strategies for improvement.

Distinguished human rights experts from both nations will share invaluable insights on enhancing the human rights of the 26 million people living in North Korea. Their discussions are poised to significantly contribute to the ongoing dialogue aimed at improving the human rights landscape in the region.

I extend my deepest gratitude to all participants, organizers, and volunteers for their unwavering dedication to shedding light on this crucial matter. The State of Hawaiʻi commends your commitment to advancing human rights globally, firmly believing that events such as the North Korean Human Rights Hawaii Conference 2023 pave the way for positive strides towards a more just world.

As Lieutenant Governor for the State of Hawaiʻi, I extend my best wishes for the conference's success. May the discussions held amplify the urgency of addressing human rights concerns not only in North Korea but also beyond, fostering meaningful change on a global scale.

With aloha,
Sylvia Luke Lieutenant Governor,
State of Hawaiʻi

Suzy Vares-Lum

President, The East-West Center

Aloha, As President of the East-West Center, I wish to convey my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Chairperson of the Global Strategy Committee of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Committee (PUAC) Myong Hae Kim, Consul General Lee Seo-Young, and Mr. Park Bong-Ryong, President of the PUAC Hawaii Chapter, for inviting the East-West Center to co-host the 2023 North Korean Human Rights Hawaii Conference.

The East-West Center was established by the United States Congress in 1960 as a national educational institution to foster better relations and understanding among the peoples of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific islands. We carry out our mission through multiple avenues, such as Educational Scholarship and Affiliation programs; Professional Development programs to build capacity for academics, journalists, and young leaders; research in climate change and the environment, regional geopolitics; public health as well as economics and demographic change; the East-West Center Washington, D.C. office provides our partners with training, exchange opportunities, and public diplomacy products; finally, our engagement with our 70,000+ alumni provides incredible networking opportunities.

This conference brings together key leaders and experts dedicated to addressing North Korean human rights issues—providing us the opportunity to shed more light on these credible reports. The discussions and insights shared at the conference promise to carve new paths forward, contributing to the momentum needed to effect positive change.

Mahalo nui loa for your dedication, engagement, and contributions to this important cause. May our shared efforts here today resonate far beyond these conference walls, fostering a future marked by compassion, justice, and progress.

Mahalo,

Suzy Vares-LumPresident,
The East-West Center

RICK BLANGIARDI

Mayor of Honolulu

Congratulations to Myung Hae Kim, on her appointment by President Yoon Suk Yeol, as the Chairperson of the Global Strategy Special Committee of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC). President Yeol’s continued efforts and dedication to end inhumane behavior and policies is admirable and unwavering.

I am pleased that each of you have taken the time to come together to learn, discuss, andshare the various ways in which to improve human rights in North Korea. Today’s keynotespeakers and panel discussions will serve as an important step towards increasing the momentumtowards formulating and implementing democratic and peaceful unification policies from aglobal perspective.

Stability, peace, unity, and the defense of human rights is of global importance andshould be addressed by all who have the influence to affect change. Let today be an opportunityto strengthen our global ties to improve the human rights of our fellows in North Korea.

On behalf of the people of the City and County of Honolulu, we stand with you andcommend your efforts to promote peace and uphold the values of human rights for all.

RICK BLANGIARDI

Jill N.Tokuda

Representative for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District

Dear Friends, Welcome to the North Korean Human Rights Hawaii Conference! I commend the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council of the Republic of Korea, the East-West Center, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea for hosting this important gathering.

As we mark seventy years since the armistice ended the fighting in the Korean War, North Korea continues to pose a serious challenge to regional security. While the global community has devoted much attention to the Kim regime's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, we can neither forget nor neglect the continued plight of millions of North Koreans under Kim Jong- un's repressive, totalitarian dictatorship. Their suffering must be a call to action.

North Korea's continued systemic human rights abuses, including torture, sexual violence, forced labor, arbitrary detention, and deliberate starvation, are grave assaults on the international rules-based order - one that upholds the rights and dignity of each person - that we so deeply cherish. The support offered by countries like China and Russia to the Kim regime, including in the forced repatriation of North Korean refugees, are equally grave.

As the United States and global partners work to address North Korea's nuclear program and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula, any comprehensive policy must integrate human rights. The well-being and dignity of 26 million North Korean people are inextricably linked with denuclearization and regional security. That is why the discussions held and work done today are so important.

As U.S. Representative for Hawaii's Second Congressional District and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I wish all of you a productive conference and look forward to learning from the results of your discussions. I extend a special mahalo for the work you do today and every day to give voice to those oppressed and unable to speak for themselves.

Aloha,
Jill N. Tokuda
United States Representative Second District of Hawaii

Young Kim

Member of Congress, 40th District

Dear Friends:

I am pleased to welcome everyone to this North Korea HumanRights Conference. Thank you to everyone who helpedorganize this event and provide an opportunity for a veryimportant discussion on the human rights situation in NorthKorea.

I introduced the North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2023, so the UnitedStates takes concrete steps to counter the North Korean regime and support human rightsfor the people of North Korea including supporting the flow of news and information toNorth Korean and reuniting Korean Americans with war-torn loved ones.

Thank you all again for all that you are doing to raise awareness of North Korea’scontinuing human rights violations and work towards solutions to support freedom andliberty for the North Korean people. As one of the first Korean American women to beelected in Congress, it is an honor to represent you and I wish you a successfulconference.

Sincerely,
Young KimMember of Congress,
40th District

Carol D. Miller

Member of Congress

Greetings,

I am honored to be writing to you today and wish I could be there in person. championing one of the most important issues in today's day and age.

As you advocate on behalf of people who can't advocate for themselves, you are promoting integrity and decency around the world. Having basic human rights should not be controversial no matter where you live, and you are making a momentous impact on those who can't fight for their rights. Because of efforts like yours, I remain hopeful that everyone will have the basic rights they are entitled to and will continue to fight alongside you in Congress.

Sincerely,
Carol D. Miller
Member of Congress

Hawaii State Legislature

The Hawaii State Legislature hereby presents this certificate to

THE NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS HAWAIʻI CONFERENCE 2023

WHEREAS, the NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS HAWAIʻI CONFERENCE 2023, cohosted by the Global Strategy Special Committee of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC) and chaired by Annie M.H. Chan; the East-West Center; the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Honolulu; and the Hawaii Chapter of PUAC, was held in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi on December 4^th, 2023; and

WHEREAS, for the first time in Hawaiʻi history, the Ambassadors representing the North Korean human rights policies of the United States of America and the Republic of Korea — Ambassador Julie Turner and Ambassador Shin-wha Lee — gathered in Honolulu to discuss and promote the advancement of human rights in North Korea; and

WHEREAS, the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is still one of the worst in the world and is not improving, while the government of North Korea continues to create provocations and instability in the Korean Peninsula and Indo-Pacific region and threaten the national security of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the government of China's continuing policy of forced repatriation of North Korean refugees violates international norms, whereby repatriated North Koreans face severe punishment and human rights violations at the hands of the North Korean government; and

WHEREAS, the eyes of the world have been further opened to the human rights situation in North Korea in light of the commemoration of the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as North Korean citizens do not enjoy a single right enshrined in the Declaration, and the 10^th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the human rights situation in the DPRK; and

WHEREAS, the Ambassador, scholars, and experts at the NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS HAWAIʻI CONFERENCE 2023 who spoke as keynote speakers and panelists gathered to educate the public about the human rights situation in North Korea and fostered a call to action and increased attention to the issue among the attendees at this historic event; now, therefore,

The Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaiʻi hereby recognizes and commends the NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS HAWAIʻI CONFERENCE 2023 and extends its heartfelt appreciation and warmest aloha to everyone who organized, participated, and hosted this momentous event.