South Korea Seeks ICRC Cooperation on North Korean POWs in Ukraine
Quick Look
South Korea's Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina met with ICRC Director General Pierre Krahenbuhl in Seoul, seeking cooperation to respect the wishes of North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine who reportedly desire to come to South Korea, citing non-refoulement.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
South Korea's Second Vice Foreign Minister met with the ICRC Director General to discuss cooperation on humanitarian crises, specifically addressing North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine.
SEOUL, July 21 (Yonhap) -- Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina held a meeting with the director general of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Tuesday and sought the organization's cooperation in respecting the wishes of North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine.
The meeting in Seoul between Kim and ICRC Director General Pierre Krahenbuhl focused on ways to enhance cooperation between South Korea and the international organization in responding to humanitarian crises, the foreign ministry here said.
During the meeting, Kim expressed Seoul's willingness to accept North Korean soldiers held in Ukraine if they wish to come to South Korea.
Two North Korean soldiers were captured in Russia's Kursk region early last year while fighting against Ukraine and have since been held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. They reportedly expressed a desire to come to South Korea.
The South Korean vice foreign minister, in particular, asked the ICRC to extend proactive cooperation so that the soldiers' free will can be respected in accordance with the principle of non-refoulement under international law, the ministry said.
While expressing appreciation for the ICRC's role in ensuring the compliance with international humanitarian law and mediating international conflicts, Kim reaffirmed Seoul's commitment as an international donor and willingness to continue cooperation with the organization in addressing humanitarian crises.
Krahenbuhl thanked the South Korean government for its financial support and cooperation with the ICRC and also asked for its participation in the organization's efforts to strengthen international humanitarian law.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
ICRC will engage with relevant parties to facilitate the transfer of North Korean soldiers to South Korea.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Will the ICRC facilitate the transfer of North Korean soldiers to South Korea?
- How will Ukraine respond to the request for transfer?
- What is North Korea's stance on these soldiers?
