Pp South Korea

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Republic of South Korea The issues before South Korea are: 1. South Korean role in the fight against the Use of Torture and Degrading Treatment to War Prisoners 2. South Korean role in the fight against the Violation of Rights of Refugees I.

South Korean role in the fight against the use of torture and degrading treatment to war prisoners. The Republic of South Korea, according with the principles proclaimed in the Charter of United Nations, recognizes the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. We promote universal respect for human rights and freedoms. Hence, we consider, as expressed in articles 7 and 9 of the International Covenant and in the Convention against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading Treatment of Punishment which our country ratified, that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, also, no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. Therefore, the Republic of South Korea 1. reaffirms South Korean`s responsibility in the fight against the use of torture. 2. condems the use of torture and degrading treatment by any country as a way to obtain information or a confession. 3. recalls the need to create public awareness in the fight against this social disgrace, as well as recalls to the enforcement of past UN resolutions and the creation of a fund towards victims of torture.

II.

South Korean role in the fight against the violation of rights of refugees. Our country strictly condems the violation of rights of refugees, and considers, as expressed in the World Conference against Racism of 2001 that xenophobia against non-nationals, particulary migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers, constitutes one of the main sources of contemporany racism. We also think it is essential to guarantee the rights of the refugees to work, health, education, food and housing. Our country, considers that the personal status of a refugee shall be governed by the law of the country of his domicile or by the law of the country of his residence, as said in the Convention Relating the Status of Refugees we ratified. Therefore, the Republic of South Korea 1. reaffirms our responsibility in this issue, recognizing the social and humanitarian nature of the problem, will do everything within their power to prevent it to becoming a cause of tension between States. 2. recalls the need to attend to the root causes, as well as create an early warning system to prevent this problem.

Ramón González Bernal – UNIVERSITY OF SALAMANCA - UNHRC