Washington, DC –U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40), who serves as Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific, applauded the Senate confirmation of Julie Turner to serve as Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues, with the rank of Ambassador.
“As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice this week, we are reminded that seventy years later, North Korea remains a hostile actor. Supporting the human rights of the North Korean people should be treated like a vital component of our North Korea policy, which is why I have been urging the Biden administration to fill this Special Envoy position since I have been in Congress,” said Chairwoman Kim. “I am thrilled this position is finally filled after a six-year vacancy, and I look forward to working with Special Envoy Turner to support the human rights of the North Korean people.”
Rep. Kim has prioritized North Korea Human Rights through her work in Congress. She reintroduced the North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act, which includes initiatives that the Congresswoman has worked on such as:
- Reuniting Korean American divided families with their war-torn loved ones;
- Supporting U.S. Agency for Global Media’s broadcasting efforts to promote freedom of information in North Korea;
- Ensuring the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid goes to the people of North Korea and does not support military operations; and,
- Working with the United Nation’s Refugee Agency to protect and resettle refugees from North Korea.