This resolution calls on North Korea to immediately release all abducted foreign nationals, return remains, and apologize for the decades-long practice of abducting Japanese citizens.
Jennifer Kiggans
Representative
VA-2
This resolution formally expresses the U.S. Congress's unwavering stance demanding that North Korea immediately resolve the long-standing issue of abducted Japanese citizens. It calls upon North Korea to return all foreign nationals, provide information on the deceased, offer restitution to the families, and issue a full apology. The bill emphasizes that these abductions are a grave violation of fundamental human rights and international law.
U.S. House Demands North Korea Release Japanese Abductees and Provide Family Restitution
This resolution is the U.S. House of Representatives formally stating its position on a decades-old humanitarian crisis: the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea, which started back in the 1970s. Essentially, Congress is using its voice to put diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang, declaring that these kidnappings are a severe violation of fundamental human rights, freedom, and liberty, clashing directly with international norms like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Long-Running Kidnapping Crisis
For those who haven't followed this issue, the U.S. acknowledges that North Korea admitted to these abductions in September 2002. They promised to investigate and address the situation, but the follow-through has been minimal. Only five abductees were returned in October 2002, leaving the status of many others unresolved. This resolution highlights that North Korea's failure to provide information or return the remaining individuals is unacceptable, framing the issue not just as a diplomatic spat, but as a severe human rights violation.
What the House Is Demanding
The resolution lays out a clear, non-negotiable set of demands for North Korea. First and foremost, the House calls for the immediate release of all foreign nationals abducted, including the Japanese citizens. This is the core ask—bringing people home. Beyond that, the resolution pushes for accountability and closure for the families who have been waiting for decades. This includes urging North Korea to return the remains of any abductees who have died and provide detailed information about their deaths. Think of this as demanding the basic respect and dignity owed to the victims and their loved ones.
Making Amends: Apology and Restitution
Crucially, the resolution also calls on North Korea to make appropriate restitution to the families. While the resolution doesn't specify a dollar amount or mechanism—it’s a non-binding resolution, after all—it signals that the U.S. believes compensation is due for the harm caused. Finally, the House urges North Korea to issue a formal apology for the abductions and permanently cease this practice. This resolution is essentially a powerful diplomatic shout, using the U.S. government's platform to reinforce the demands of Japan and the international human rights community. It doesn't change U.S. law or impose sanctions, but it does make the U.S. position crystal clear on the global stage.