Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the UN

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.