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Human Rights Council

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the DPRK

Intervention by Australia
15 March 2010

Australia would like to thank the Special Rapporteur on the DPRK for the presentation of his final report to the Human Rights Council. Australia applauds the work of the Special Rapporteur in helping to bring international attention to the appalling state of human rights in the DPRK, particularly as the Special Rapporteur’s work was conducted under such frustrating conditions, with the DPRK refusing to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur throughout his term or to invite him to visit the DPRK to investigate conditions in the country in person.

Australia welcomes indications in the Special Rapporteur’s report that the DPRK has, at least in form if not in substance, taken constructive steps internally, such as law reforms, and in its engagement with the international community on its human rights situation. We note the DPRK’s positive engagement with UNICEF on child immunisation and the DPRK’s UPR appearance in December 2009.

However, Australia remains deeply concerned by the overall human rights situation in the DPRK and we note the Special Rapporteur’s characterisation of the situation as egregious and endemic. We will continue to raise our concerns directly with the DPRK.

Australia strongly supports the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations for action by the DPRK as contained in paragraph 88 of his report. Noting the Special Rapporteur’s recommendation to the international community in paragraph 89, Australia would be interested to hear the Special Rapporteur’s views on how the international community and individual countries can more effectively mobilise to improve the human rights conditions in the DPRK and particularly what concrete measures could be adopted in pursuit of that goal.

Finally, as this is the Special Rapporteur’s last report to the Council, Australia wishes to place on record our sincere appreciation and thanks for his tireless dedication to his vital mandate in frustrating conditions over the past six years.