Vize-Außenminister sucht die Zusammenarbeit des IKRK bei der Achtung der Wünsche der nordkoreanischen Gefangenen in der Ukraine

South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina met with the director general of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Pierre Krahenbuhl, in Seoul on Tuesday to seek the organization’s assistance in honoring the wishes of two North Korean soldiers currently detained in Ukraine. The meeting took place amid ongoing discussions between South Korea and the ICRC regarding enhanced collaboration in addressing humanitarian challenges. During the session, Kim emphasized the importance of respecting the personal choices of the North Korean detainees, who have expressed a desire to relocate to South Korea. The two North Korean soldiers were captured in the Russian Kursk region earlier this year during hostilities with Ukrainian forces and have been held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. Kim requested the ICRC’s active involvement in facilitating the soldiers’ potential relocation to South Korea, aligning with the principle of non-refoulement under international law. This principle prohibits the return of individuals to situations where their safety or rights could be compromised. According to the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kim reiterated Seoul’s readiness to welcome the soldiers should they choose to move to South Korea. The discussion also covered broader areas of cooperation between South Korea and the ICRC, including the promotion of international humanitarian law and conflict resolution mechanisms. Kim acknowledged the ICRC’s critical role in upholding these standards globally and pledged continued support for the organization’s initiatives. Krahenbuhl responded by thanking the South Korean government for its financial contributions and collaborative efforts with the ICRC. He also invited South Korea to participate more actively in the ICRC’s programs aimed at strengthening adherence to international humanitarian norms. The two North Korean soldiers, whose identities remain undisclosed, have reportedly communicated their preference to reside in South Korea. Their situation has drawn attention due to the complex geopolitical dynamics involving North Korea, Russia, and Ukraine. While the exact conditions of their detention are not publicly detailed, the ICRC is known for its role in monitoring the treatment of prisoners of war and advocating for humane treatment under international law. This engagement marks another step in South Korea’s diplomatic outreach to address the humanitarian concerns of North Korean nationals abroad. It reflects the country’s growing emphasis on human rights issues and its increasing role in global humanitarian affairs. The outcome of the ICRC’s involvement in this case could set a precedent for future interactions involving North Korean citizens in conflict zones. The South Korean government continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to take further action if necessary. The ICRC is expected to evaluate the request and provide guidance based on established humanitarian principles and legal frameworks. The next steps will likely involve formal communication between the ICRC and relevant parties to determine the feasibility of the proposed relocation.