Policy on Major Issues
International peace and security
Though nearly two decades have passed since the end of the Cold War, armed
conflicts, insurgencies and violent uprisings persist at the national,
regional, and sub-regional levels. Intra-state conflicts have proven
particularly inhumane and tragic. The international community has witnessed
large-scale ethnic cleansing, dislocation of vast segments of populations,
devastation of civil institutions and socio-economic infrastructure, and all
too often the victimization of vulnerable groups of civilians, particularly
women and children.
The United Nations, pursuant to its responsibilities under its Charter, has
made every effort to reinforce its role in conflict prevention, peacekeeping,
and post-conflict peace building. The Republic of Korea has also actively
participated in the efforts of the United Nations in making the world a better
and safer place while simultaneously coping with new challenges of the 21st
Century.
The membership of the Republic of Korea to the Security Council in 1996-1997
has provided us with a renewed motivation to take on a more proactive role for
the promotion of international peace and security. During its membership, the
Republic of Korea focused on upgrading the Council's transparency, protecting
humanitarian assistance to refugees and others, and enhancing the Council's
capacity for resolving regional conflicts. During its presidency, the Republic
of Korea initiated an open debate on the protection for humanitarian
assistance to refugees and others in conflict situations, adopted four
resolutions (1107-1110), and issued eight presidential statements
(S/PRST/1997/25-32).
With its firm commitment to the goals and objectives of the United Nations,
the Republic of Korea is ready and willing to make its due contribution
towards international peace and security and the well-being of the
international community. In this connection, the Republic of Korea has
presented its candidature for the non-permanent seat on the Security Council
for the term 2013-2014 for which elections will be held during the 67th
session of the UN General Assembly in 2012.
Peacekeeping Operations
Peacekeeping operations have become one of the most important tools for the
United Nations to meet the challenges against threats to international peace
and security in the 21st century. The Republic of Korea believes that
Peacekeeping mandates should be more clear and achievable, and that a
mechanism for closer consultations with troop-contributing countries should be
prepared and implemented. As an important contributor of troops and of the UN
peacekeeping budget, the Republic of Korea will actively participate in a wide
variety of related discussions in the UN, including the Security Council and
the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations.
As a responsible member of the international community, the Republic of Korea
has actively participated in UN Peacekeeping Operations through the dispatch
of infantry troops and by supporting other contingents, such as medical and
engineering units. With 642 troops deployed in eleven missions, including the
deployment of 369 troops to UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and 243
troops to UN stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Korea ranks 32nd in
the number of PKO troops dispatched as of November 2010. The level of Korea’s
participation in PKO is a reflection of the government’s willingness to
contribute to world peace and security, thus enhancing its status in the
international community. While simultaneously making the world a safer place.
Disarmament and Non-proliferation
The Republic of Korea has actively participated in international disarmament
and non-proliferation efforts. The Korean Government has acceded to, and
faithfully complied, with all major international instruments, such as the
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC),
the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
(CTBT).
The Republic of Korea is also committed to the causes of completely
eliminating biological and chemical weapons. Advances in bio-technology are
increasing the potential threat posed by biological weapons. Therefore, the
Korean Government believes that the international community should tackle the
important task of creating a verification regime of the BWC as soon as
possible. Furthermore, the Korean Government has supported the activities of
the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) since its
establishment.
The proliferation of missiles as a means of delivery of WMDs seriously
undermines international peace and stability. In view of the current absence
of international norms regulating the proliferation of missiles, the Korean
Government shares the view that the international community should explore
multilateral norms in this regard. Given the complexities inherent to this
issue, the Korean Government believes that a step-by-step approach would be
most practical.
Strengthening existing disarmament agreements is no less important than
producing new ones. The non-acceptance of existing norms by any country not
only sets a negative precedent for implementing those norms but also hampers
future disarmament initiatives. The issue of attaining universality and full
compliance is indeed a cross-cutting issue pertaining to all internationally
legally binding instruments. The Korean Government is of the view that the
international community should continues to make efforts to develop
appropriate responses to ensure universal adherence to, and full compliance
with, all agreements related to eliminating weapons of mass destruction in a
more vigorous and comprehensive manner.
Development
In September 2000, the first year of the new millennium, 198 nations,
including the Republic of Korea, adopted the United Nations Millennium
Declaration at the Millennium Summit with the aim of improving the lives of
such people suffering around the world. The Millennium Declaration gave birth
to a set of concrete and measurable development objectives, known as the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which have been designed and
internationally agreed upon to fight poverty as well as to ensure inclusive,
equitable and sustainable development. The MDGs represent the global community
’s vision and commitment to protect the most vulnerable groups around the
world in many dimensions.
The MDGs consist of eight goals designed to correspond to the major challenges
the international community is facing. Given that all eight MDGs are
interconnected and mutually reinforcing, the Korean Government takes into
consideration the need to pursue the goals through a holistic and
comprehensive approach in its development cooperation policy towards achieving
the MDGs. The Republic of Korea has paid special attention to areas such as
education, health and women’s empowerment in its development cooperation
policy, in recognition in the far-reaching impact they have on development as
a whole. The Republic of Korea’s focus on these goals is a result of the
valuable lessons it has learned in the development experience.
The Republic of Korea also believes that inclusive, sustainable and equitable
growth is a key to successful development. In this regard, the Republic of
Korea has placed priority on the development of rural areas and agriculture in
developing countries as the majority of poor people live in rural areas and
agriculture is the major industry of most developing countries.
With respect to priority areas, the Republic of Korea is focusing on the Asia
-Pacific region in consideration of its geographical proximity, and further
plans to expand its support for ASEAN countries under its New Asia Initiative.
The Republic of Korea also recognizes the need for intensified support for the
regions and nations which lag behind in achieving the MDGs. The Korean
Government has been expanding its support for the development of Africa under
Korea’s Initiative for Africa’s Development. The total amount of Korea’s
ODA to Africa has more than doubled since the adoption of the initiative in
2006, and is expected to increase further. At the same time, the Republic of
Korea has been increasing its ODA to conflict-affected and vulnerable
countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq.
Climate change is also a serious threat to the global community that hinders
development. States must take action at the national level and also work
together internationally via the Post-2012 framework in order to adequately
respond to this daunting crisis. In this vein, the Republic of Korea recently
launched “Low Carbon Green Growth” as its own national vision which seeks to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in 2050, in line with the overall goals
of the international community. Additionally, the Republic Korea plans to
raise 200 million US dollars over the next 5 years for the “East Asia Climate
Partnership,” which will establish a comprehensive East Asian response
strategy to climate change. Sharing the common concerns on the deteriorating
environmental situation and recognizing the need to cope with such challenges
in concerted efforts, the Republic of Korea has also acceded to major
environmental conventions and protocols such as the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Montreal
Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer.
Human Rights
Since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, there has been
progress on many fronts, including the adoption of six major international
human rights conventions and the establishment of the Human Rights Council
(HRC) in 2006. However, with cases of serious human rights violation still
widespread in certain regions, the protection of vulnerable groups, especially
women and children, remains a daunting task.
Respect for human dignity is embedded in Korean culture and ancient
philosophy. Even through its tumultuous modern history, the Republic of Korea
served as an example of how rapid economic growth does not conflict with the
principles of democracy and human rights, but is in fact complementary.
As strong advocate for human rights, the Republic of Korea is a party to all
major conventions, and served in the Commission on Human Rights from 1993 to
2006. As the founding member of the HRC, the Republic of Korea strives to
contribute to strengthening the Council as a fair and effective body capable
of responding to human rights abuses in a prompt and efficient manner. The
Republic of Korea is also committed to strengthening the UN’s various human
rights related funds and programs. Along with financial contributions, Korean
nationals have also served as the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights
and Chairperson of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, among others.
Democracy and women’s rights are the two focus areas of the Korea’s human
rights diplomacy. Together with its active participation in the Community of
Democracies (CD) at the global level, the Republic of Korea has also joined in
regional initiatives. Among others, it has contributed to forming the
framework of the Asia-Pacific Democracy Partnership (APDP) by hosting the 1st
Senior Officials Meeting in 2008. With a view to assisting fragile states in
building democratic institutions and governance capacity, the Republic of
Korea has also been devoted to the activities of the Partnership for
Democratic Governance (PDG).
The Republic of Korea believes that gender equality and empowerment of women
are vital to promoting and protecting human rights. As part of its efforts to
strengthen gender-sensitive policies, the ROK played an important role in
inserting a separate clause for women in the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities. Domestically, it also abolished the male-oriented
family registry system in 2005.
The Korean government’s active human rights diplomacy abroad has in turn led
to higher expectations at home. This brought about the creation of the
National Human Rights Commission in 2001 and a five-year National Action Plan
(NAP) for the Promotion and community at the Universal periodic Review of the
HRC.
Humanitarian Assistance
Humanitarian needs across the world have dramatically increased in recent
years. The food crisis has hit the poorest and the most vulnerable in
developing countries, while the severity of large-scale natural disasters
became more epidemic. The 2004 Tsunami and the 2008 Cyclone Nargis, for
instance, resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and left millions
affected.
The Republic of Korea has set out the timely and effective provision of
humanitarian assistance as a major priority. To this end, the Republic of
Korea has adopted a need-based policy, reaching out first to countries in need
of immediate relief but lacking in their own capacity to do so. The
assessments reflected in the Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP) and flash
Appeal set by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(OCHA) remain as a key guiding reference for its humanitarian assistance. At
the same time, the Korean government fully respects the principles of
humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence as recognized by the UN
General Assembly resolution.
To provide effective assistance, the Korean government has taken initiatives
at various levels. Nationally, it established the Overseas Emergency Relief
Act in 2007, which enabled an efficient response to the twin disasters of May
2008 in China and Myanmar. The Republic of Korea has also played an important
role in establishing a framework on disaster management and emergency response
in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly through the ASEAN+3, ASEAN Regional
Forum and Korea-China-Japan trilateral talks.
At the global level, the Republic of Korea has strengthened its cooperation
with the UN and other relevant multilateral bodies, inter alia as a member of
the OCHA Donor Support Group (ODSG) and the Humanitarian Liaison Working Group
(HLWG) of the UN. It has steadily increased its contributions to the CAP, the
Flash Appeal and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and expanded the
scope of cooperation with major humanitarian assistance agencies such as WFP
and UNICEF.
In the face of the food crisis, the Korean government has decided to provide
100 million dollars over 2009-2011 for emergency food aid and assistance to
strengthening the agricultural capacities of developing countries. With its
first-hand knowledge in agricultural development, the Republic of Korea plans
to assist in various areas, including farming infrastructure, agriculture
technology, and coherent policy-making.
International Law
The Republic of Korea, as a responsible member of the international community,
has actively participated in the international lawmaking process and acceded
to most of the major international conventions.
A landmark in universalizing the rule of law and putting an end to impunity
for the most heinous crimes was the adoption in July 1998 of the Rome Statute
establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Republic of Korea
played an important role in the drafting of the Statute, which was signed in
March 2000, and ratified in November 2002. We are working closely with other
countries to ensure the success of the Court, by not only bringing criminals
to justice, but also serving as a deterrent against future crimes against
humanity, genocide, and war crimes.
The Republic of Korea shares the concern of the international community over
terrorism as a serious threat to international peace and security. In this
regard, the Republic of Korea strongly condemns all acts of terrorism,
irrespective of their forms and manifestations and their alleged motives.
An effective counter-terrorism approach should address all aspects of
terrorism including strengthening law enforcement and state capacity building,
denying terrorists access to weapons, especially weapons of mass destruction
(WMD), suppressing the financing of terrorism, facilitating public-private
cooperation, and defending human rights.
Internet-based business has become a ubiquitous part of the global economy.
Accordingly, there is a growing need for international legislation to
facilitate electronic commerce. The United Nations Commission on International
Trade Law (UNCITRAL) has played a key role in removing legal obstacles to the
flow of international commerce, not least by promoting uniformity of
regulation across countries. The Republic of Korea has supported the work of
UNCITRAL, adopting wherever possible the conventions and model laws
established by the Commission.
Maritime matters are a vital interest of the Republic of Korea. The United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted in 1982, is generally
regarded as the universal charter code for ocean affairs. Given the centrality
of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the global
legal framework for the governance of oceans and seas, it is important that
all activities in the oceans and seas are carried out within that framework
and that the integrity of the Convention is maintained. While we welcome new
state parties, we also wish to call upon those States, which have not yet done
so, to join the Convention and its implementing agreements.
The Republic of Korea strongly believes that the Convention should be fully
respected and implemented by all members of the international community.
Management Reform
As the responsibilities of the United Nations have grown increasingly complex
and diverse over the past six decades, the UN has continued its efforts to
reform the management of the Secretariat and enhance the efficiency of its
budget. At the Millennium Summit in 2000, Member States recognized that all of
the principal organs of the UN were in need of reform. The oil-for-food
scandal revealed the inadequacies of a grossly outdated UN system which
struggled to handle the tremendous demands on its time. In answer to these
issues, Member States reaffirmed their commitment to a more efficient and
effective UN at the 2005 World Summit.
On 20 March 2006, Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented bold and
comprehensive reform proposals in his report "Investing in the United Nations
for a Stronger Organization Worldwide." With the inauguration of the new
Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, there were high hopes for rejuvenating UN
reform efforts. In 2007, in response to a rapid increase in the number and
complexity of United Nations peacekeeping operations, the Department of Field
Support was established as part of the restructuring of the Department of
Peacekeeping Operations. On 24 December 2008, the General Assembly adopted the
resolution on simplification of contractual arrangements that introduces three
types of appointments under one set of staff rules, effective 1 July 2009. The
General Assembly at the main part of the 63rdsession approved the
establishment of the Chief Information Technology Officer and the
implementation of the Enterprise Resource Planning system. There was also an
agreement on the strengthening of the Department of Political Affairs and the
developmental function within the Secretariat. The new system of
Administration of Justice has been launched on July 1st 2009. In addition, the
UN has been also striving to make improvements on reinforcement of the
oversight services, strengthening of accountability, and procurement reform.
The Republic of Korea supports management reform of the United Nations. Such
reforms are important and necessary for greater effectiveness and efficiency
of the organization. In the long term, management reforms will strengthen the
capacity of the UN and allow it to better respond to the rapidly changing
global environment.
However, while supporting overall reforms, the Republic of Korea also
highlights the cost factor of implementing reforms for each agenda. It is
equally important to measure the cost-benefit potential and take into account
the cost efficiency factor of management reforms. The cost of implementing
reforms must be weighed against their expected benefits, and only when the
balanced outcome is significantly fruitful shall reforms be effectuated.
Policy on Major Issue
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