Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations

Statement by H.E. Ambassador Sangjin Kim

Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea

Third Committee of the 80^th Session of the General Assembly

Interactive Dialogue with the Chair of the Human Rights Committee

New York, 16 October 2025                                   As delivered

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Republic of Korea extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Changrok Soh, Chair of the Committee, for his professionalism and dedication— reflecting our longstanding commitment to the protection and promotion of civil and political rights.

As we approach the 60th anniversary of the ICCPR, we are reminded of both the treaty’s enduring relevance and the complex challenges it faces including emerging technologies. Addressing these challenges requires not only technical improvements, but also adequate funding and sustained political will.

In this regard, the Republic of Korea reaffirms its full support for the treaty body system as a guardian of international human rights law, and remains committed to timely reporting and implementation of the Human Rights Committee’s recommendations.

With regard to the current liquidity crisis, the Republic of Korea is making an earmarked contribution to support its effective functioning.

Mr. Chair,

Today I would like to raise the issue of human trafficking and urge continued attention by Member States and UN human rights mechanisms, including this Committee, to the grave and persistent threat of human trafficking. This crime is increasingly intertwined with emerging forms of transnational crime, such as online scams as seen in the recent surge in cases targeting citizens of the Republic of Korea and other nations in Southeast Asian territories, underscoring the need for stronger international cooperation.

Human trafficking endangers the right to life and security of person, and a grave violation of international human rights law, including the ICCPR. Turning a blind eye to it is an abdication of our collective responsibility, leading to lifelong harm, disappearance, and even death of countless victims.

The Republic of Korea will continue to work closely with the Human Rights Committee, especially under Mr. Soh’s leadership, to strengthen international human rights mechanisms and protect the values we all share.

Thank you. /END/