Vol. 571 No. 2
231 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the continuing persecution of people for their religious beliefs in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21405/03]
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is run by an authoritarian government which maintains tight and effective control on information concerning conditions in the country and continues to refuse access to independent human rights monitors. For this reason, it is difficult for foreign governments and human rights organisations to assess accurately the exact state of conditions in the DPRK. However, I am very concerned by the weight of reporting that suggests ongoing repression of fundamental freedoms. These include reports of a low level of respect for religious freedom, in spite of a guarantee of freedom of religious belief in the DPRKs constitution.
An EU Troika visited the DPRK in June 2002, to convey that the EU expected concrete improvements to be made in relation to human rights. The Troika also stressed that the positive development of relations between the EU and the DPRK was subject to action by the DPRK, with regard to respect for human rights, engagement with the international community and improvements in working conditions for aid organisations.
In the absence of any such progress on human rights and in view of heightened concerns since October 2002 regarding the political and humanitarian situation in that country, the EU tabled a resolution on the DPRK at this year's Commission on Human Rights. The EU Resolution was adopted by a large majority of CHR member states on 16 April 2003. The resolution expressed deep concern about reports of systemic, widespread and grave violations of human rights in the DPRK, including restrictions on the freedoms of thought, conscience, religion, opinion and expression. The resolution also reaffirmed that it is the responsibility of the DPRK Government to ensure for its people full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
At the present time, despite continued efforts, our EU partners based in Pyongyang have reported that it is difficult to engage with the DPRK authorities to discuss the issue of human rights while the nuclear issue continues to dominate the DPRK political agenda.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, follows closely the evolution of human rights in the DPRK. In addition, as part of its commitment to address emergencies, the Government is monitoring humanitarian developments in the DPRK. Development Co-operation Ireland is actively responding to these humanitarian needs, both bilaterally and through our support for the UN system. On 30 September 2003, my colleague Deputy Kitt, Minister of State for Overseas Development and Human Rights, approved a bilateral humanitarian assistance package of €150,000 to provide emergency food needs, clean water and sanitation to some of the most vulnerable citizens of the DPRK.
On 26 September, I met DPRK Vice-Minister Choe Suhan, at his request, in the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York. Mr. Choe Suhan raised with me the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the DPRK, including in the context of our forthcoming Presidency. I explained that this matter was under consideration, and underlined the importance we attached to positive moves by the DPRK, especially in regard to the nuclear issue.
Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 160.
