On May 18th 2017, the All Party Parliamentary Group on North Korea, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, and the European Alliance for Human Rights in North Korea will co-host the 2017 International Symposium on North Korean Human Rights at Central Hall Westminster (not the Houses of Parliament). Located directly opposite Westminster Abbey, this historic venue’s opulent round dome can be seen from Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge.

The conference will bring together up to 140 politicians, policymakers, civil society representatives, North Korean exiles, scholars, and members of the public to discuss three themes:

1). The role of information inflows and outflows for North Korea;

2). Children’s rights in North Korea with a focus on the UN human rights protection mechanisms; and

3). Strategies for accountability for crimes against humanity.

Hosts

The All Party-Parliamentary Group on North Korea is a grouping of Members of both Houses with an interest in North Korea. Members seek pathways that promote and support human rights, democracy, and security in North Korea; look to establish relations with the exiled North Korean community to foster better understandings of North Korea and the challenges which face its people; and to explore relations between the parliaments of the UK and North Korea.

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Republic of Korea) is an independent organization working to contribute to an improvement of North Korean human rights through monitoring and promoting the execution of international human rights standards. NHRCK has been holding annual international symposia on North Korea since 2004 to inform the international community about the severity of the human rights situation and to encourage discussion of practical solutions and the roles of related actors in the improvement of North Korean human rights.

The European Alliance for Human Rights in North Korea is a UK-based NGO which raises awareness of ongoing human rights violations in North Korea and empowers North Korean people, inside and outside of their country, by providing a platform for their voices and a means for their agency. EAHRNK was established in 2013 by a group of human rights advocates, scholars, and North Korean exiles.

Registration

Registration is required for all who wish to attend the 2017 symposium. To register, please email and include your name and relevant institutional affiliation by 14th May 2017. Attendance is free of charge and lunch will be provided to attendees.

Date, Time, and Location

The 2017 International Symposium on North Korean Human Rights will take place from 10:00-18:00 on 18th May 2017 at Central Hall Westminster, Storey’s Gate, London, UK, SW1H 9NH. Please proceed directly to the Aldersgate Room.

Central Hall Westminster is a short walk from two underground stations: Westminster (exit 6) or St. James’s Park (exit Broadway).

Underground: https://tfl.gov.uk/
Train services: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

Airport – City Airport as the closest easy access from Gatwick and Heathrow by train or taxi.

Train stations – Victoria (10 mins walk), Charing Cross (15 mins walk) and Waterloo (20 mins walk).

Speakers

Speakers will be announced in due course.