At the initiative of ECR MEP Witold Waszczykowski and EPP MEP Rasa Juknevičienė, and in cooperation with the Human Rights in North Korea Committee (HRNK), a virtual event was held titled “North Korea’s Growing Influence: Security, Human Rights, and Global Implications.” This virtual event brought together both EU and U.S. experts on security and human rights. Speakers in the discussion included Dr. Shin-wha Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea for International Cooperation on Human Rights in North Korea; Greg Scarlatoiu, Executive Director of the Human Rights Committee on North Korea; Dr. Bruce E. Bechtol Jr. of Angelo State University, Dr. Duyeon Kim of the Center for a New American Security, and Dr. Oskar Pietrewicz of the Polish Institute of International Affairs.
The meeting was devoted to analyzing the recently intensified military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, potential arms deals, and their implications for international peace and security. Participants also focused on North Korea’s role in the war in Ukraine and its approach to human rights.
In his opening remarks, former Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said that the event contributes to the broader goal of promoting international peace, security, and the protection of human rights. He noted that North Korea has long been a source of international concern due to its expanding nuclear and missile programs and its appalling human rights record.
“To obtain the hard currency needed to develop its nuclear and missile programs, North Korea exports weapons to the Middle East and Africa,” the MEP noted. He also added that North Korea exploits its citizens both at home and abroad to obtain hard currency, including by sending workers to Russia. The Polish politician argued that the war in Ukraine has likely become the latest destination for North Korea’s arms and ammunition exports, as indicated by the rapidly intensifying political and military ties with Russia.
