Seoul: The U.N. special rapporteur on North Korea's human rights emphasized Ukraine's obligation to ensure the safety of North Korean soldiers captured during the conflict with Russia, highlighting the need to prevent their exposure to potential torture. Elizabeth Salmon, appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council, stressed that Ukraine must adhere to international obligations regarding the treatment of these prisoners of war.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the two young North Korean soldiers have been held in Ukraine for over a year after being captured in the former front-line region of Russia's Kursk. The soldiers have expressed a desire to relocate to South Korea, and Seoul has shown a willingness to receive them, contingent on Ukraine's decision.

"It is up to Ukraine to decide, in accordance with international human rights law, where the soldiers should go," Salmon stated, underscoring the importance of Ukraine's commitment to the non-refoulement principle, which prohibits sending individuals to places where they may face torture.

Salmon confirmed that South Korea is open to accepting the soldiers if Ukraine decides to repatriate them to Seoul. "They are open and willing to receive these two people if they want to come," she said, welcoming South Korea's stance.

Since late 2024, North Korea has reportedly deployed over 10,000 troops to aid Russia's military efforts, with a significant number of North Korean soldiers believed to have been killed in action.

Salmon also expressed concern over the media's exposure of the soldiers' identities, urging respect for their privacy. "We must preserve their privacy, because they live in a very difficult situation," she noted.

In a related context, Salmon praised South Korea's role in co-sponsoring a U.N. resolution condemning North Korea's human rights violations. Last November, the resolution was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly's Third Committee, with South Korea among the initial supporters.

Salmon, currently on a five-day official visit to Seoul, is engaging with South Korean officials and civic groups to further discuss human rights issues. Her findings will contribute to her annual report to the Human Rights Council in March and to the General Assembly in September.