Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun met on May 13 with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk who is on an official visit to Korea, and exchanged views on key issues including △cooperation between Korea and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) △AI and human rights and △the human rights situation in key regions including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Minister Cho stated that Korea is actively participating in international discussions on human rights as a member of the Human Rights Council and a responsible global power, and expressed his hope for continued close cooperation with the High Commissioner. High Commissioner Türk highly appreciated Korea’s contributions and leadership in the field of human rights and voiced his hope to continue cooperation with Korea on key issues such as AI and human rights, as well as the human rights situation in the DPRK.

Minister Cho welcomed High Commissioner Türk’s emphasis on incorporating human rights aspects into the development and use of AI, and stressed that the Korean government will continue to contribute to efforts of forums such as the UN Human Rights Council to establish human rights norms for AI. High Commissioner Türk welcomed Korea’s leading role in shaping human rights norms in the field of new technologies such as AI, and responded to the Minister’s remarks by saying that he looks forward to close cooperation with Korea for technological advancements to be made with respect for human rights.

The two sides also exchanged opinions on the human rights situation in key regions. Minister Cho expressed serious concern over the large-scale damage to civilians and civilian infrastructure in connection with the recent situation in the Middle East, and conveyed his hope that peace and stability in the region would be restored swiftly through negotiations.

Regarding the issue of the human rights situation in the DPRK, Minister Cho appreciated the High Commissioner’s continued efforts to substantively improve it. In response, High Commissioner Türk welcomed the Korean government’s participation as a co-sponsor in the resolution on the human rights situation in the DPRK at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, citing its significant meaning. He also expressed deep concern about the grave human rights situation in the DPRK, emphasizing the need to continue dialogue and engagement in order to improve the situation.