Demands justice and the immediate return of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, urging further action and reparations.
Dan Sullivan
Senator
AK
This resolution condemns North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens since the 1970s, demanding the release of all abductees, the return of remains and information on deceased abductees, reparations, and a formal apology. It urges North Korea to cease these activities and encourages the President to address this issue in future interactions with North Korean officials. The resolution affirms that these abductions violate fundamental principles of liberty and freedom.
Resolution Calls on North Korea to Address Decades-Old Abductions of Japanese Citizens
This resolution puts the spotlight on a long-standing international issue: North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens dating back to the 1970s. It formally acknowledges North Korea's admission of these actions back in September 2002 and their promise to stop, but points out that only five abductees were returned to Japan in October 2002 after years of captivity. The core message is that these abductions clash directly with fundamental principles of liberty and freedom, citing bedrock documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Laying Out the Demands
So, what does this resolution actually do? It's not creating a new law, but it is making a clear statement and a series of demands directed at North Korea regarding all abducted foreign nationals, with a specific focus on Japanese citizens. Think of it as putting official pressure on the issue. The resolution explicitly calls on North Korea to:
- Release everyone: Let go of all abducted foreign nationals still held.
- Provide answers: Return the remains of those who died and share information about their fate.
- Make amends: Offer appropriate reparations related to the abductions.
- Apologize and stop: Issue a formal apology and permanently end the practice of abducting foreign nationals.
It's a comprehensive list aimed at achieving closure and justice for the victims and their families.
Putting it on the Diplomatic Table
Beyond the direct demands on North Korea, the resolution also nudges U.S. foreign policy. It specifically encourages the President to bring up the abduction issue in any future discussions or interactions with North Korean officials. This aims to keep the matter visible at the highest levels of diplomacy, ensuring it doesn't get lost amidst other geopolitical concerns. Essentially, it's using the U.S.'s diplomatic weight to advocate for resolution on behalf of the abductees and their families.