Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they discussed the United Nations Commission of Inquiry report into human rights violations in North Korea with President Yuan of the Republic of Korea during his state visit, specifically its finding that crimes against humanity have been committed; and whether they and the government of Korea intend jointly to raise the findings of the inquiry once Korea becomes a member of the UN Security Council.

The UK supported the Republic of Korea's (ROK) election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for a 2-year term from 2024-6. They intend to lead discussions on peacekeeping, women's rights, cybersecurity, and also plan to increase focus on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). We intend to support the ROK's objectives in the UNSC and to deepen engagement on shared areas of interest including the human rights situation in the DPRK. The UK has repeatedly made clear that China and Russia blocking the Security Council's efforts to hold the DPRK to account sends a dangerous signal to states seeking to undermine international peace and security.