I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.
I am deeply concerned by the recent summary execution of Jang Song Thaek in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland is adamantly opposed to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances and accordingly seeks its universal abolition. We are aware of concerns expressed by the President of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) that these actions may lead to uncertainty in the political situation on the Korean peninsula. Ireland is monitoring the situation closely through our Embassy in Seoul, which is also accredited to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Ireland together with our international partners in the EU and UN have on numerous occasions condemned the current human rights situation in the DPRK and strongly urge the Government there to immediately put an end to the human rights violations in the country.
In February, my Department conveyed directly to the North Korean authorities Ireland’s strong condemnation of their nuclear and ballistic missile testing activities, and urged North Korea to re-engage with the international community as expressed in my statement on the matter.
During a visit to the DPRK in June 2013, the Deputy Head of Mission to Ireland’s Embassy in Seoul raised the issues of human rights and access to the DRPK by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK and other UN treaty monitoring agencies.
In March 2013, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate human rights abuses in the DRPK. The Commission has heard testimonies from victims who have suffered human rights abuses in the DPRK and will report to the UNHRC in March 2014. It is disappointing that the DPRK will not cooperate with the Commission of inquiry. Ireland stands by the resolutions passed by the UN Human Rights Council which calls upon the DPRK to cooperate with the UN and its human rights mechanisms.In November 2013, during the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, Ireland supported the adoption of a resolution concerning the Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. This resolution highlighted the systematic, widespread and grave violations of civil, political, economic and social and cultural rights in the DPRK. It also expressed serious concern at the absence of due process and the rule of law, including fair trial guarantees and an independent judiciary, and the use of extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions.
Ireland will continue to monitor the situation closely through our Embassy in Seoul, and will remain in close contact at the EU and UN on these matters.
