Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
203. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland has supported the United Nations resolutions on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, in each of the past five years; if her Department has raised the issue of Japanese, Republic of Korea and other nationals abducted by North Korea in any bilateral or multilateral forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54447/26]
View answerThe protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy, and we regularly raise concerns about the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the appropriate multilateral fora.
Ireland has supported resolutions on the situation of human rights in the DPRK at the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly every year for the past five years. At the 61st session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in March this year, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on the situation of human rights in the DPRK which expressed grave concern about the issue of international abductions. The resolution called for meaningful engagement by DPRK authorities and for the immediate return of all abductees. In September 2025, Ireland issued a National Statement at the 60th session of the HRC condemning the continued curtailment of fundamental rights and freedoms in the DPRK.
My Department will continue to seek the most appropriate and effective ways to raise human rights concerns with regard to the DPRK.
