S. Korean Bill addresses Human Rights in North Korea

South Korea’s ruling Grand National Party will introduce a bill on improving human rights in North Korea.

To be initiated by lawmaker Hwang Jin-ha, the party’s vice policy director for national security, unification and diplomacy policies, the plan addresses the subject of North Korean defectors, prisoners of war, those kidnapped by North Korea and separated families.

The Unification Ministry will also establish a basic plan on improving human rights in North Korea including humanitarian aid and improvement of human rights. The bill also emphasizes transparency on humanitarian aid to North Korea.

The plan also specifies what South Korea should do for North Korean defectors. Article 11 says the government should ensure that escapees are not forcibly returned to North Korea and are admitted as refugees.

[Dong-A Ilbo]