[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 116 (Wednesday, July 11, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E998-E999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NORTH KOREA ABUSES HUMAN RIGHTS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the cause of the Korean people is 
essential--not just from a national security perspective but also from 
a moral obligation as Christians. It is the duty of the free to demand 
justice for those who suffer under tyranny.
  For decades, the North Korean regime has silenced its people and 
subjected thousands to the most brutal conditions on Earth. The 
horrific repression of the Kim family is no secret, but lately the 
focus has been dominated by the nuclear threat.
  This is a crucial challenge which we must address. But it must not 
come at the cost of the Korean people. What would we say to God if we 
turned our backs on them? That we would have liked to help but we were 
too worried about our own well-being? This would be unacceptable.
  We must not shut the door on their hopes for freedom so that we can 
live in peace. History has taught us that no man, woman, or child is 
safe so long as tyrants are able to rule. North Korea is only the most 
recent example of this enduring lesson.
  The Kim regime has ruled the hermit kingdom for three generations, 
and throughout that time it has crushed all the liberties and human 
rights of the North Korean people to preserve its power. With unrivaled 
power over the North, the regime has turned its cruelty towards the 
outside world. By building nuclear weapons, the regime can hold all of 
humanity hostage.
  Kim Jong Un is hoping through nuclear blackmail, he can force other 
nations into accepting his rule and his demands. Addressing the nuclear 
threat cannot be separate from ensuring human rights for all Koreans. 
The regime must be held to account for its abuses, despite the dangers.
  We must not be naive in talks with this evil regime. Many past 
presidents wanted to believe we could reason with them. But the Kims 
achieved their power through violence and oppression. Absolute control 
is what they are accustom to, so negotiating a mutual peace with the 
world achieves little for them.
  For the regime, peace is only acceptable when we remove sanctions, 
normalize relations, and accept the unfettered imprisonment of the 
Korean people. But we cannot accept this. We will not be bullied or 
bargain away the future of Korea's children.
  They are entitled to the same freedom and respect which our children 
enjoy. As we move forward in pursuing denuclearization on the Korean 
peninsula, we must also advocate for the rights of the Korean people.
  For our freedom from fear is inevitably linked to the freedom of the 
Korean people. Democracies and free societies do not act like this 
regime--and certainly do not threaten other people's children to 
achieve their own goals. That is what terrorists do.
  We must also keep in mind the broader implications of a deal with the 
regime. If we reward the Kim dynasty for their development of nuclear 
arms, we will be setting a precedent for all dictators around the 
world.

[[Page E999]]

  They will see that threatening the lives of millions with nuclear 
weapons brings rewards and acceptance by the international community. 
If a deal must be made, it must require safeguards and direct 
humanitarian assistance for the Korean people.
  Kim Jong Un cannot be permitted to use our gestures of good will as a 
weapon against his people. One day the Korean people will be united in 
freedom and security. We have it in our power to work towards that 
goal.
  The first step requires us not rewarding the regime's threats. And 
that's just the way it is.

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