Dealing with the nuclear threat from North Korea and its human rights abuses is a complex issue that has been a persistent challenge for the United States and its allies. Despite numerous rounds of sanctions and diplomatic efforts, the North Korean nuclear threat and human rights situation remain unchanged. As North Korea has grown closer to China and Russia following the outbreak of the Ukraine War, engagement with the international community has all but ceased. What combination of diplomacy, sanctions, humanitarian aid, and support for human rights activists might be effective in breaking the impasse?

Ambassador Joonkook HWANG, Permanent Representative of the ROK to the UN, will examine the current state of the North Korean nuclear program and human rights abuses, and explore approaches to addressing these challenges.