South OC Times

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3012), a bipartisan initiative spearheaded by Rep. Young Kim, Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, and Ranking Member Ami Bera. This legislation aims to renew and amend the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004, focusing on promoting human rights and freedom in North Korea.

Rep. Young Kim emphasized the ongoing challenges posed by North Korea's leadership under Kim Jong Un, stating: “While Kim Jong Un grows his nuclear arsenal and forges an Unholy Alliance with Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and the Ayatollahs to secure his power, he oppresses the North Korean people every day through torture, starvation, imprisonment, and forced labor.” She highlighted the importance of holding North Korea accountable while supporting human rights initiatives.

Rep. Ami Bera echoed these sentiments: “North Korea’s oppressive regime continues to commit heinous human rights abuses against its own people, including arbitrary detention, forced disappearance, torture, and severe restrictions on freedom of religion and belief.” He expressed satisfaction with the bill's passage as a step toward strengthening U.S. efforts to promote human rights in North Korea.

The reauthorized act includes several initiatives proposed by Rep. Kim:

- Reuniting Korean American families separated from their relatives due to war.

- Appointing a Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues.

- Supporting broadcasting efforts by the U.S. Agency for Global Media to promote information freedom in North Korea.

- Ensuring humanitarian aid reaches citizens without bolstering military operations.

- Collaborating with the United Nations Refugee Agency to protect and resettle refugees from North Korea.