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119th CONGRESS
1st Session |
A resolution seeking justice for the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.
Mr. Sullivan (for himself, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Hagerty, Mr. Schatz, and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
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
(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 reparations as are appropriate regarding abductees;
(4) urges North Korea to apologize and permanently cease such activities; and
(5) encourages the President to ensure that this matter is addressed in any future interaction with North Korea officials.