The Peninsula
The Peninsula blog is a project of the Korea Economic Institute. It is designed to provide a wide ranging forum for discussion of the foreign policy, economic, and social issues that impact the Korean peninsula.
Decades On, Japan Presses North Korea Over Abducted Citizens
Robert King
March 26, 2025
All indications are the abduction issue will continue to define Japan-North Korea relations for at least the rest of this decade.
“Déjà vu All Over Again” as Trump Orders US Withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council
Robert King
February 13, 2025
The United States will cease to participate in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and eliminate positions supporting the US representative.
What to Expect from U.S. Policy on North Korea Human Rights Under Trump 2.0
Robert King
January 23, 2025
There are clear indications that Kim and his government are particularly unhappy with the attention and criticism his government’s human rights violations have received. Modest changes have been made by Pyongyang to minimize human rights criticisms. That will only continue if the United States, the United Nations, and other UN member countries continue to call attention to the human rights abuses.
Another Failure to Reauthorize the North Korean Human Rights Act, Despite House Approval of the Bill?
Robert King
November 27, 2024
It is likely that the Senate will fail to act on the North Korean Human Rights Act before adjourning in December.
Record Number of High-Level UN Meetings Devoted to North Korean Human Rights in 2024
Robert King
November 14, 2024
UN institutions have given significant attention to human rights in North Korea throughout the year, and the effort will continue.
South Korea Heads UN Security Council Discussion on North Korea Human Rights
Robert King
June 27, 2024
The roles of North and South Korea at the UNSC meeting highlight the stark differences between the two Korean states at the United Nations.
Increased Attention on Japanese Citizens Abducted by North Korea
Robert King
May 7, 2024
The blatant abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea around 40 years ago continues to be a sensitive and controversial issue.
The North Korean Human Rights Act Expired in 2022 – No Signs that Congress is Moving to Reauthorize the Law
Robert King
April 8, 2024
The North Korean Human Rights Act reaffirms US policy on North Korea information programs, refugee programs, and humanitarian aid.
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