외교부

Statement by Ambassador PARK Sang-ki,
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea
Agenda Item 2 (Annual Report of UNHCHR)
15th session of the HRC
13 September 2010)

Mr. President,

Let me begin by reiterating the concern by Madam Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, over the immense human suffering caused by the recent floods in Pakistan. We acknowledge that the severity and increased frequency of natural disasters throughout the world in recent years prompts greater need for human rights protection in humanitarian emergencies.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Madam High Commissioner for her tireless efforts at establishing accountability through the rule of law as well as for promoting human rights in general. I would also extend my appreciation for the various support provided by her office to this Council.

Mr. President, I have three comments.

First, in light of the greater importance and relevance of the mandate of the Human Rights Council (HRC), I would like to reaffirm my government’s full support for the Council and strong willingness to actively participate in its proceedings with a view to its full and effective functioning. The Council has made a number of significant achievements for the betterment of human rights situation, for example, by introducing the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. However, it has, at the same time, also revealed its limitations and shortcomings, particularly in urgent and grave human rights situations.

Having said that, my delegation is of the view that the HRC review process should accommodate various issues relating to the mandate of the Council given by the UNGA resolution 60/251. In this regard, we expect full and productive discussions on such issues as the Council’s capacity to address human rights emergencies and consistent non-cooperation by some countries with the Council.
  
Secondly, we note that Madam Pillay’s statement today refers again to a wide range of countries concerned with different human rights situations in a manner that is as impartial as possible. It demonstrates her commitment to the truth, impartiality and independence. For each of us, our own soul-searching efforts are needed while trying to address other's human rights records. But this must not serve as a pretext for human rights spoilers to evade or counter legitimate challenges of the international community.

Thirdly, it’s very opportune for Madame Pillay to address human rights defenders and the right to development as major thematic issues at her statement.

My delegation notes with concern that human rights defenders face threats to and attacks on their lives all around the world. The situation is much worse in the course of electoral processes. Sharing the concern raised by the High Commissioner on the need to ensure the protection of their life and safety, we once again support their legitimate role of protecting and promoting human rights on the field.

I believe that “development” is an all-inclusive concept, and that human rights and development are closely interconnected and mutually-reinforcing. In this regard, I expect that a special segment during the Council’s session next year suggested by High Commissioner would provide a good opportunity for sharing and exchanging various ideas from the inter-disciplinary perspective.

I thank you, Mr. President.     /End/