Hawaii Conference 2023 North Korean Human Rights: “Challenges to Democracy”

Introduction

The Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC)’s Global Strategy Committee, East-West Center, and the ROK Consulate General in Honolulu hosted a conference on December 4 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The event featured the U.S. and ROK North Korean human rights ambassadors and experts on the Korean Peninsula issues to raise awareness of North Korea’s continuous human rights violations and discuss ways to enhance the situation.

Student Reflections

Jisu Shin

The conference deepened my understanding of conflict resolution and peace initiatives while exposing me to new perspectives, such as nuclearization as a human rights issue. Insights from Ambassador Turner, Ambassador Lee, and Suzanne Vares-Lum inspired reflection on real-world applications of peacebuilding and highlighted career opportunities in the field. The experience emphasized the importance of systemic change and practical action.

Hannah Harding

Although aware of North Korea’s human rights violations, the conference in Honolulu revealed their true severity, such as forced repatriation and labor camps. The event challenged my assumptions about international responses and highlighted practical initiatives to raise awareness. Meeting Ambassador Julie Turner reinforced the importance of individual and collective involvement in combating these abuses.

Elle Larson

The conference was an eye-opening experience that showcased collaborative efforts between Koreans and Americans to address human rights violations in North Korea. A meaningful connection with a fellow graduate student from Cambodia underscored the value of BYUH’s diverse network and reinforced a shared responsibility to care for others.

Madison Julien

The conference reignited my passion for helping North Koreans, sparked by an article earlier this semester. Speaker presentations illuminated the gravity of human rights abuses under Kim Jong Un, while a refugee helper provided a personal perspective on the crisis. Despite complex issues, the experience strengthened my resolve to contribute to meaningful change in the future.

Jamis Schriner

This event applied theories from peacebuilding and Political Science courses to real-world conflicts, reshaping my perception of the American government’s role in positive change. South Korean author Jisung Lee’s dedication to helping defectors demonstrated the power of individual action. The conference offered actionable steps for addressing North Korea’s human rights violations and global security threats.

Isabelle Hancock

The conference shed light on North Korea’s persistent human rights crisis and revealed the dangers faced by refugees, including abuse and forced repatriation. Ambassador Julie Turner’s strategies highlighted the need for collaboration and humanitarian aid. The inspiring stories shared reinforced the potential for ordinary individuals to drive meaningful global change.

Opening Remarks

• President Yoon Suk Yeol (South Korea): Emphasized the connection between human rights and peaceful reunification, calling for truth in addressing North Korean issues.
• Myong Hae Kim (PUAC): Highlighted Hawai'i’s strategic role as a cultural and geographic bridge between Asia and the US in tackling North Korean human rights.
• Suzanne Vares-Lum (East-West Center): Stressed the international implications of North Korea’s human rights crisis, linking it to global security concerns.
• Sam Satoru Kong’s Office: Encouraged gratitude for freedoms often taken for granted.

Keynote Addresses

• Amb. Lee Shin-wha (South Korea): Called for balancing denuclearization with human rights, emphasizing youth as agents for change and addressing forced labor and modern-day slavery.
• Amb. Julie Turner (USA): Advocated for the free flow of information into North Korea, accountability for violations, and supporting refugees as a step toward global peace.
• Morse H. Tan (Liberty University): Defined North Korea’s situation as “rightlessness,” describing extreme human rights abuses and urging action as a moral imperative.

Special Guest Interview

• Jisung Lee (Activist): Shared personal experiences rescuing North Korean defectors, stressing faith as a motivator and advocating for continued rescue efforts despite challenges.

Panel Discussion Highlights

• Speakers underscored the need to integrate human rights into security policies, hold perpetrators accountable, and prioritize information dissemination to empower North Koreans.
• Strategies included diplomatic engagement with China, publicizing abuses, leveraging international law, and utilizing psychological and informational tactics.

The conference called for urgent, coordinated efforts to address North Korea’s human rights crisis, blending advocacy, policy reform, and strategic action to bring justice and hope to the region.