외교부

Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHIN Dong-ik
Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea
On the agenda item 64 (Report of the Human Rights Council) of the 66th Session of the General Assembly 

November 2, 2011
New York

Mr. President,

The Republic of Korea is pleased to note that, in the past one-year period, the Human Rights Council has responded promptly to recent human rights emergencies especially in the Middle East and North Africa, through four special sessions. The international community has delivered a unified message that serious human rights violations should be ended immediately and that accountability must be established. My Government once again urges all relevant governments and entities to follow this urgent call by the international community.

The Republic of Korea notes with satisfaction that the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process has completed its first cycle with the recent conclusion of the 12th session of the working group earlier this month. For the most part, the UPR has proved to be a very constructive process for the countries that have participated. States under review, in general, have put forth sincere efforts in preparing their reports and also have displayed great flexibility, openness and a genuine willingness to cooperate with the recommendations presented by other participants in the UPR working group.  Along similar lines, states participating in conducting the reviews, have also contributed to the working group process by making clear, constructive, and pertinent recommendations.
The success of the UPR process ultimately depends on the sincerity with which States respond to the recommendations put forward. Having reviewed the human rights records of all UN Member States, now it is important that each state take the recommendations made during the first cycle of the UPR seriously. In this connection, all states should make sincere efforts to fully implement the accepted recommendations through concrete actions and tangible measures with a view towards achieving the ultimate goal of improving the human rights situation on the ground.

The Republic of Korea is pleased to see that, as a follow-up to the outcome of the review of the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council, some improvements have been made to the modality and procedures of the UPR Working Group. We look forward to the second cycle which is to set begin next year. Taking this opportunity, the Republic of Korea would like to reiterate that it attaches great importance to the UPR process and expresses its strong commitment to the process in the future.

We would also like to acknowledge that the review of the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council, which was completed earlier this year, has provided us with a valuable opportunity to identify other areas in which there is a real need for improvement and to find ways to better fulfill the mandate of the Council.

The Government of the Republic of Korea would like to emphasize that many good proposals, especially on persistent non-cooperation and the capacity of the Council to respond promptly to human rights emergencies, should not be dismissed simply because they have not been reflected in the outcome document of the review. I believe that they will continue to be a good reference point in an ever evolving process of the Council’s transformation into an even more effective and credible body in the future.

In parallel with the UPR, the Special Procedures is an important tool in the promotion and protection of human rights. The Special Procedures mandate-holders play an indispensable role in ensuring the timely and effective response to urgent human rights situations in specific countries or on major thematic issues.

However, persistent refusals by some states to cooperate with the Special Procedures not only continue to present a major challenge in carrying out their mandates, but also undermine the capacity of the Council to respond to chronic human rights concerns and emergencies. We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our strong support for the Special Procedures and invite all states to continue to cooperate with and assist the special procedures mandate holders in their tasks.

Mr. President,

As a firm advocate for adherence to and application of human rights principles, the Republic of Korea has contributed strongly to the work of the Human Rights Council through its two consecutive terms as a Council Member from 2006-2008 and 2008-2011 and in its current position as an observer Member. I would like to once again reiterate that the Republic of Korea looks forward to continuing its demonstrated efforts to enhance a deeper and broader respect for human rights around the world.

Thank you.