Kurt M. Campbell Deputy Secretary of State | Official Website
To mark the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry report on human rights in North Korea, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, South Korean Minister of Unification Kim Yung-ho, and Ambassador Shigeo Yamada hosted a trilateral meeting on North Korean human rights in Washington, D.C. This event reinforced commitments made at the August 2023 Camp David Trilateral Leaders’ Summit to address issues involving abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war while promoting human rights for North Koreans.
The U.S. government is adopting a survivor-centered approach to advocate for North Korean human rights by reaching out to escapees and providing resources that support their integration into democratic societies. "North Korean escapees are a living testament to the potential of North Koreans living in rights-respecting societies," said officials from the State Department.
A new resource hub has been announced which includes educational support and English language training aimed at connecting stakeholders involved in DPRK human rights issues.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State offers programs such as Fulbright, Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD), Workplace Essential Skills and Training (WEST), and International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for individuals of North Korean origin. More than 500 participants have completed English language training programs.
The ECA connects ESL programs at U.S. universities with “American English” resources shared by experienced instructors to aid future success in teaching students from North Korea.
“Friends for Future,” a network based in the United States, supports over 500 North Korean escapees including refugees through community-based organizations and student volunteers offering essential services.
Diplomacy Lab will offer projects aimed at advancing human rights for North Koreans during Spring 2025 across more than 60 U.S. universities. These projects include analyzing technology solutions for access to independent information, fostering business due diligence against forced labor by DPRK regime, and exploring transitional justice avenues through survivor-centered documentation.
This initiative allows students to contribute directly to policymaking while expanding the research base addressing global challenges faced by diplomats and policymakers.
