Seoul: The U.N. special rapporteur on North Korea's human rights has highlighted Ukraine's responsibility to adhere to international obligations concerning the two North Korean soldiers captured during its conflict with Russia. Elizabeth Salmon emphasized that Ukraine must ensure the soldiers are not sent to locations where they might face torture.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in January last year in the former front-line region of Russia's Kursk. These soldiers have expressed their wish to relocate to South Korea, a proposal that Seoul has expressed readiness to accommodate through appropriate discussions with Ukraine.

Salmon clarified the legal framework surrounding this issue, stating that while it is Ukraine's decision where to send the soldiers, this decision must be guided by international human rights law. A critical component of this legal framework is the non-refoulement principle, which prohibits sending individuals to places where they are at risk of torture.

South Korean authorities have confirmed their willingness to receive the soldiers should Ukraine decide in favor of repatriation to South Korea. Salmon welcomed this stance, reiterating that South Korea is prepared to accept the soldiers if Ukraine reaches such a decision.

Since late 2024, North Korea has reportedly deployed more than 10,000 troops to support Russia's military efforts, with many believed to have perished in combat. Amidst these developments, Salmon expressed concerns over media exposure of the captured soldiers' personal details, urging for their privacy to be protected.

During her five-day official visit to Seoul, Salmon engaged in discussions with South Korean officials and North Korean defectors. The insights from her visit will contribute to her annual report to be presented to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly later this year.