Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Representative to the United Nations
New York, New York
June 29, 2023
AS DELIVERED
On behalf of the United States, I want to thank all those joining us online, as well as our co-organizers.
The United States strongly supports Japan, the Republic of Korea, and all countries whose citizens have been the victims of the DPRK’s enforced disappearances and have been unrepatriated prisoners of war. We will not rest until these grave injustices are resolved.
Today, I want to express my profound gratitude to the families who have shared their stories with us. Stories of immense heartbreak. Families shattered. Siblings separated. Children forced to grow up without their parents. This situation has been unresolved for so long that family members of some of these victims have passed away. Others are aging and may never see their loved ones again.
We appeal to Pyongyang to bring peace to these families and allow all victims to return home. To start, the DPRK must release full information about all those kidnapped and unlawfully detained. And it must do so immediately.
Across the board, the United States will continue to raise awareness of the DPRK’s human rights violations. The evidence is clear – the DPRK engages in systemic, widespread, and gross human rights abuses – abuses which directly fund threats to international peace and security. We must hold them accountable – together.
So, to the families of victims, know this: The United States stands with you. Your strength and perseverance inspire us, and we will continue to fight for you and your loved ones.
Thank you.
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