In a keynote address to the council’s 61st session in Geneva, Kim said the government would work closely with the international community to achieve “practical” improvements in the human rights of North Korean residents.
“It will pursue inter-Korean dialogue to resolve humanitarian issues such as separated families, abductees, detainees and prisoners of war,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, quoting Kim.
She also reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to its role as a council member for the 2025–2027 term, pledging to help promote global norms for stronger protection and advancement of human rights.
Kim highlighted Seoul’s efforts to narrow social and development gaps arising from new technologies, including artificial intelligence, as well as challenges related to youth, climate change, digital innovation, welfare and healthcare.
She voiced support for international action to eliminate conflict-related sexual violence, noting that South Korea remains committed to restoring the honor and dignity of victims of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery.
Kim also introduced a recent amendment to the Comfort Women Victims Protection Act, which aims to strengthen protections against the spread of false information about survivors.
During her visit to Geneva from Feb. 23 to 25, Kim met with UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif to discuss cooperation on North Korean human rights and South Korea-led priorities on technology, local governance and human rights.
She also held talks with International Committee of the Red Cross Secretary General Pierre Krähenbühl, with both sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation amid growing humanitarian crises linked to global armed conflicts.
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