Seoul: United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated that the principle of non-refoulement applies to two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Ukrainian forces amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Turk made this assertion during a press conference in Seoul, held as part of his official visit to South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Turk emphasized that "international humanitarian law applies" to the detained North Korean soldiers in Ukraine, underscoring the obligation to not return individuals to places where they could face potential harm. The U.N. human rights chief highlighted that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is actively monitoring the situation in Ukraine, particularly the cases involving these North Korean POWs.
The two soldiers were captured after being deployed to Russia's Kursk region to support Moscow's military efforts. They have expressed a desire to defect to South Korea, as evidenced by handwritten letters sent to South Korean organizations that assist North Korean defectors.
Turk also addressed the broader human rights situation in North Korea, noting ongoing serious violations and the necessity for accountability. He advocated for various forms of accountability, including potential referrals to the International Criminal Court, to address the longstanding human rights issues in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Additionally, Turk welcomed the upcoming visit of North Korean women's football team Naegohyang Women's FC to South Korea. The team is scheduled to play against Suwon FC Women in the semifinals of the Asian Football Confederation Women's Champions League, marking the first visit by a North Korean sports team to South Korea in over seven years. Turk highlighted the importance of strengthening humanitarian and people-to-people exchanges across the inter-Korean border.
In relation to South Korea's domestic issues, Turk commended the public's response to the political crisis surrounding the December 2024 martial law. He also urged the adoption of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law to ensure equality and protection for various groups, including women, minorities, refugees, migrants, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community.
The U.N. human rights chief's visit to South Korea, which began on Tuesday, marks the first by a high commissioner since 2015. During his visit, Turk met with South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and other officials, expressing hope for strengthened bilateral cooperation. He is set to deliver a keynote speech at the 2026 World Human Rights Cities Forum in Gwangju.