A resolution seeking justice for the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.

A resolution seeking justice for the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.

Whereas the United States Government recognizes that North Korea was abducting Japanese citizens since the 1970s;

Whereas, in September 2002, North Korea admitted that it had abducted Japanese citizens and promised to prevent further recurrences;

Whereas, in October of 2002, only 5 abductees were returned to Japan after being held prisoner for 24 years, despite the explicit commitment of North Korea to investigate what had happened to all abductees;

Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights upholds the basic principles of liberty and freedom enshrined within the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights;

Whereas human rights awareness is essential to the realization of fundamental freedoms and contributes to promoting equality, preventing conflict and human rights violations, and enhancing participation in democratic processes;

Whereas these abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korea directly conflict with the basic principle of liberty and freedom; and

Whereas there have been several attempts at dialogue between North Korea and Japanese leaders in an effort to yield stable results: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) calls on North Korea to release any abducted foreign nationals, including those from Japan;

(2) urges North Korea to return the remains and provide information on any deceased abductees;

(3) urges North Korea to make such restitution as appropriate regarding abductees; and

(4) urges North Korea to apologize and permanently cease such activities.