To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the landmark United Nations Commission of Inquiry report on human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of Unification Kim Yung-ho, and Ambassador Shigeo Yamada hosted a U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral engagement on DPRK human rights in Washington, D.C. This engagement reaffirmed the commitments made at the August 2023 Camp David Trilateral Leaders' Summit to resolve the issues of abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war, and strengthen cooperation to promote respect for the human rights of North Koreans, including those still in the DPRK and those who have escaped.
The United States is committed to a survivor-centered approach to promoting North Koreans' human rights. This includes outreach to North Korean escapees to amplify their voices and to provide access to resources that support their integration into democratic systems. North Korean escapees are a living testament to the potential of North Koreans living in rights-respecting societies. The State Department has engaged with educational institutions, civil society, and the private sector to share resources and best practices to support North Koreans in building new lives.
Today, we are pleased to announce a resource hub, which includes support for education and English language training and the establishment of a network to connect stakeholders working on DPRK human rights issues.
English Language and Educational Exchange Programs Pioneer New Opportunities for North Koreans
Individuals of North Korean origin have participated in various programs offered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State, especially in partnership with the ROK government and non-profit organizations. ECA is committed to reflecting the diversity of the United States and global society in all its exchange programs, supporting the involvement of American and international participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.
Over 200 participants are alumni of U.S. government exchange programs such as Fulbright, the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD), the Workplace Essential Skills and Training (WEST) program, and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Additionally, more than 500 participants have completed short- and long-term training programs to develop English language skills.
ECA also connects English as a Second Language (ESL) programs at U.S. universities with "American English" resources and best practices shared by instructors experienced in teaching students from North Korean backgrounds. This initiative helps ESL programs in states like Texas and Maryland prepare for future success in teaching North Koreans in the United States.
