US Special Envoy on North Korea concludes East Asia trip

Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues Julie Turner concludes her East Asia visit today.

During her 10-day trip, Turner met with Japanese and South Korean officials and civil rights activists, including several North Korean defectors. The visit came ahead of the 10th anniversary of the final release of the UN commission of inquiry on human rights in North Korea. Turner’s agenda consisted mainly of discussions regarding the dire human rights abuses conducted by Pyongyang, and means to combat violations such as forced abductions.

As a direct result of this special envoy mission, expect the US government to further commit itself to promote human rights to North Korean expats. The US will likely continue to raise international awareness—through international bodies like the United Nations—of the dire situation of North Korean citizens and increase cooperation with regional partners during the short-to medium-term. Through this initiative, Washington and Seoul are expected to boost their investment towards private entities providing education and support to North Korean escapees.