National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho: "Welcoming Entry of North Korean Prisoners of War... Must Support Stable Settlement"

National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho has emphasized that the government should support the stable domestic settlement of two North Korean soldiers who were recently repatriated to South Korea from Ukraine.

In a statement issued today (September 28), Chairperson Ahn stated, "We welcome the entry into the Republic of Korea of the two North Korean soldiers who became prisoners of war in Ukraine."

On September 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly that two North Korean soldiers who had been captured alive by the Ukrainian military were recently sent to the Republic of Korea.

Previously, the fact that they had expressed their intention to go to South Korea was made known through international conflict specialist PD Kim Young-mi and others who interviewed them at a prisoner-of-war camp in western Ukraine in October of last year.

Regarding this, Chairperson Ahn evaluated, "This entry is meaningful in that the prisoner of war issue was not handled solely as a matter of interstate interests, but in a direction that respects the individuals' free will, life, safety, and human dignity."

He went on to say, "What is important now is to ensure that these two individuals can live safely in the Republic of Korea, heal the physical and psychological wounds sustained during the war and their time as prisoners, and begin a new life."

Chairperson Ahn pointed out that appropriate medical, psychological, and settlement support should be provided in consideration of their situation and wishes.

He also emphasized, "Sensitive information such as their identities, movement routes, investigation and protection processes, health conditions, and family relations must be thoroughly protected to prevent excessive disclosure that could threaten the safety of the individuals or their families remaining in North Korea."

(Photo provided by Gyeoryeol Unification Solidarity, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.