For immediate release
April 20, 2015

Toronto, Canada  - The Council for Human Rights in North Korea ("HRNK Canada") urges the Government of Canada to impose a Persona Non Grata ban against Kim Jong-un, the so-called Supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ("DPRK" or "North Korea"), and calls upon like-minded countries to follow suit.

Reportedly, Kim Jong-un, who appears to be the most responsible for acts that may amount to crimes against humanity in the DPRK and, therefore, a potential target for international sanctions, is expected to visit Moscow in early May to mark the 70th anniversary of the Soviet defeat of Nazi-Germany in World War II.

"It is a shame, a self-contradiction, and an insult against the will of the international community that Russia invites the chief suspect of crimes comparable to the Nazi-era atrocities to the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi-Germany," said Kyung B. Lee, President of HRNK Canada. "He should be barred as Persona Non Grata, if not called to the International Criminal Court("ICC"). Definitely, he shouldn't be courted as head of State."

In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly ("UNGA") adopted a resolution overwhelmingly, which Canada endorsed and co-sponsored along with 57 other like-minded countries, encouraging the UN Security Council ("UNSC") to take appropriate action to ensure accountability, including through consideration of referral of the human rights situation in the DPRK to the ICC.

The resolution also called for consideration of the scope for effective targeted sanctions against those who appear to be most responsible, including possibly the Supreme Leader of the DPRK, for acts that the UN Commission of Inquiry said may amount to crimes against humanity.

In response to the UNGA recommendation, the UNSC voted to add the issue of human rights in the DPRK to its agenda, with 11 members of the UNSC voting in favour, two abstaining, and two others - Russia and China - voting against. 

Alan Dionne, Director of HRNK Canada's Ottawa Chapter, voiced his concern, saying "it's laudable to endorse and co-sponsor the resolution. What's needed, though, is an action to implement and enforce what they endorsed. Banning Kim Jong-un from travelling abroad would be a first such step."

For further information,
contact Kyung B. Lee,
President of HRNK Canada
hrnkcanada928@gmail.com
(416)554-9605

The Council for Human Rights in North Korea
For human rights of North Korean people, including abductees,
refugees repatriated, persecuted Christians and those imprisoned in gulags
1289 Weston Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6M 4R2
Tel: (416)244-3251 Fax: (416)244-3518 E-Mail: hrnkcanada928@gmail.com