The 118th Congress postponed reauthorizing the North Korean Human Rights Act (NKHRA), amid other priorities, raising concerns about future human rights advocacy.
At a Glance
- The NKHRA lapsed during the 118th Congress, missing inclusion in the National Defense Authorization Act.
- The act established crucial support structures for North Korean human rights and refugee resettlement.
- Reauthorization is key to maintaining U.S. human rights commitments.
- Advocates call for congressional leadership to address North Korean human rights abuses.
The 118th Congress and NKHRA: What Happened?
The North Korean Human Rights Act, signed into law in 2004, lapsed in September 2022. It failed to secure reauthorization during the 118th Congress amid ongoing global crises, such as looming government shutdowns. Prioritization of other issues over the NKHRA led to its exclusion from the National Defense Authorization Act. Advocates fear this oversight could leave the act inactive for potentially three congressional years, hampering efforts to promote critical human rights initiatives.
This hiatus threatens to undo critical achievements, including North Korean refugee resettlement and the establishment of the Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues. Reports suggest that strict border restrictions in North Korea during the pandemic have exacerbated suffering, pressing the need for renewed legislative focus. However, the lack of Senate action posed a significant barrier, despite bipartisan efforts from figures such as Representative Young Kim.
As a Korean American with relatives who defected North Korea, holding authoritarian regimes accountable & uplifting freedom-loving people are top priorities of mine on @HouseForeignGOP.
My bipartisan North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act is vital to this work. pic.twitter.com/jbSQPEW1TO
— Young Kim (@RepYoungKim) May 17, 2024
Impact of the Lapse and Future Steps
The lapse of the NKHRA coincides with the 20th anniversary of its initial passage. Many, such as Olivia Enos, mark this occasion with reflection on the act’s historical significance. However, current inaction risks undermining decades of progress in defending North Korean citizens against human rights abuses. Representative Young Kim expressed her disappointment in the Senate’s failure to address the bill, emphasizing the urgency of tackling North Korea’s oppressive regime.
“Kim Jong Un subjects his own people to gross human rights abuses as he grows his nuclear arsenal, and the Senate is turning a blind eye to North Korean aggression by failing to pass this bill.” – Representative Young Kim
To address this lapse, advocates are pushing Congress and the executive branch to issue an atrocity determination regarding North Korea’s ongoing crimes. Such a move could reignite legislative priorities akin to those seen following the Uyghur atrocity determination. The call-to-action underscores the need for sustained commitment to upholding human rights and counteracting oppressive regimes. Achieving this will require persistent advocacy from legislative and civil society leaders.
“I was one of the first #NorthKoreans to enter the United States as a refugee under the North Korean Human Rights Act ..which Bush signed into law 20 years ago ..Although it ..enjoyed great bipartisan support & [was] reauthorized three times under ..Obama & Trump ..Congress has… https://t.co/7CcmEmt4J1
— Anne R. Pierce (@AnneRPierce) October 29, 2024
Legislative Prospects and Continued Advocacy
In preparation for the 119th Congress, key members express their resolve to revisit the NKHRA’s reauthorization. Representative Ami Bera stresses the link between North Korea’s human rights violations and global security threats, advocating for prompt legislative action. His commitment, alongside bipartisan efforts, aims to counteract the North Korean regime and fortify human rights advancements on the global stage.
“Looks forward to working with his Senate colleagues to pass this bipartisan legislation in the 119th Congress.” – Representative Ami Bera
This drive for action seeks not only to restore the NKHRA but also to revitalize U.S. international leadership in defending freedom and democracy. Continuous advocacy remains crucial as global challenges vie for legislative attention. By maintaining focus on these humanitarian issues, the U.S. can reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting justice.
Sources
1. 20 Years On, The North Korean Human Rights Act Remains Lapsed
2. US Congress fails to extend North Korean Human Rights Act
