Abductions Seminar in UN Offers North Korea a Better Way Forward

On Thursday, June 27, a group of key global democracies expressed their strong support for promptly resolving North Korea's abductions of Japanese and other foreigners. "Now is the time to boldly change the situation," declared keynote speaker Yoshimasa Hayashi. He is the Minister in charge of the Abductions Issue for the Fumio Kishida administration in Tokyo. 

Hayashi delivered his comments during an online seminar in the United Nations on the abductions issue. Australia, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the European Union co-hosted the event. In his keynote remarks, Hayashi emphasized, "Abductions are a violation of basic human rights that should be universally protected." 

The minister noted that Japan "is not the only country whose own citizens have been abducted by North Korea." This, he said, was one reason for the close cooperation within the international community on the matter. Appealing to North Korea's self-interest, he called on Pyongyang to join Japan in overcoming "all obstacles" and to "make decisions together for the benefit of both Japan and North Korea."

Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield represented the United States. She joined Australian Ambassador James Larsen, South Korean Ambassador Hwang Joonkook, and EU Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis. Together, they united with Hayashi in a vigorous call for the immediate release of all abduction victims.

Victims' Families Call for Courageous Decision

Takuya Yokota is the younger brother of one of the Japanese victims. His sister Megumi was kidnapped while walking home from junior high school when she was just 13. "I would like to see Chairman Kim Jong Un make a courageous decision to resolve the despicable human rights violation of abduction perpetrated by the reign of his predecessors," said Yokota. He later told JAPAN Forward he spoke those words with passion and conviction.

Noting Kim Jong Un's recent inclusion of his daughter in official activities, he called on the North Korean leader to use his power to resolve the issue "to give his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, a hopeful future."

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield was also well-versed in the abductions issue and has met with the families of Japanese victims. Speaking of North Korea, she said, "This damaging, dangerous behavior is coupled with horrific human rights abuses." She affirmed that the US will "continue to push [North Korea's] human rights violations to the top of Security Council's agenda" and " press for constructive dialogue and the return of these abductees."

The Crux of the Crime

For decades, North Korea has engaged in a national strategy of sending agents to other countries to kidnap ordinary young people. These young foreigners were simply going about their lives when they disappeared. Except for the handful that were returned in 2002, the victims have not been allowed contact with their families since their disappearance. 

Many were young women or young couples near beaches along Japan's coast. Some were also students, one as young as 13. Once abducted, their whereabouts remained unknown for decades, until defectors revealed their presence. 

One young mother, Yaeko Taguchi, was snatched away from her one-year-old son and three-year-old daughter. Her son, Koichiro Iizuka, also spoke passionately in the seminar. He expressed hope that all of Pyongyang's abduction victims would be returned without further delay and reunited with their families. 

South Korea's Ambassador Hwang Joonkook acknowledged that hundreds of his countrymen were also abducted to the North. "For decades, DPRK's human rights violations have extended beyond its border," he explained. "Hundreds of South Koreans remain abducted or wrongfully detained in [North Korea] even after the Korean War."

Marking a Landmark Anniversary

Ambassador Hwang's statement is echoed in a landmark 2014 report on human rights in North Korea. Marking its 10th anniversary, it was prepared by the Commission of Inquiry (COI) of the UN Human Rights Council Commission. It documents North Korea's international abductions, including those of Japan, South Korea, and elsewhere, along with other human rights abuses. 

Australia's ambassador lamented how little had changed since the 2014 COI report was issued. "We reiterate our call on North Korea to engage constructively with UN processes, end torture and prisoner mistreatment, abolish the death penalty, and immediately resolve the abduction issues," said Ambassador Larsen. 

Keiji Furuya chairs a bipartisan committee of Diet members for the early release of victims abducted by North Korea. He also referred to the COI report. "The abductions are not just a problem for Japan. Citizens of 14 countries around the world have been victims," he noted. "This includes Mr David Sneddon of the United States, whose case was featured in a resolution adopted by both the US House and Senate."

Getting to Closure on the Abductions

In a panel discussion, former US official Evans Revere noted the past success of quiet diplomacy with North Korea. He further emphasized that "Japan and the international community have the ability to provide that better life for the North Korean people. [Therefore,] we ought to challenge the North Korean leader to take his country down that path to a better life and a brighter future."

A unique understanding of North Korea's position was gained from listening to Professor Lee Won-Deog. The Kokmin University (South Korea) professor offered that normalizing relations with North Korea before resolving the abductions or other issues might make it easier to talk to the hermit country. In contrast, Mr Revere suggested it would be most useful to communicate effectively how resolving these issues "would be in North Korea's interest."

Mr Revere further added, "It would put [North Korea] on a better and more helpful path. More than ever, that point needs to be driven home to Pyongyang."

Considering the insights gained from both outside experts, Keio Professor Junya Nishino added a broader perspective. "There is a time limit and we have no time to lose," he said. The issue is "how to quickly resolve the issue. We have heard very important insights and advice. However, in addition to the time constraints, the international affairs surrounding North Korea are becoming ever more complex."

Immediate Resolution

"The abduction issue is not something that happened in the past," Minister Hayashi told the seminar. "It remains an ongoing international challenge which we need to resolve immediately. The abductees are still deprived of their freedom and barred from returning home," he emphasized.

The seminar succeeded in conveying a remarkably unified message from the countries represented. Will that be enough to convince North Korea to sit down with Japan and come up with a resolution that assures a bright future for North Koreans, including Kim's daughter? Japan and other nations will persevere and hope to see that bold change.

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Author: Susan Komori