House supports human rights in North Korea

By Tom Strode - Aug 13, 2004 - comment

The House of Representatives has approved a bill to promote human rights in North Korea.

The House passed the North Korean Human Rights Act by voice vote July 21. The measure would authorize the President to provide funds for nonprofit groups in order to advance human rights and democracy in the communist country. It also provides authority for the President to assist the World Food Program and U.S. nongovernmental organizations in distributing humanitarian assistance in North Korea. In recent years, many North Koreans have been the victims of malnourishment and starvation.

The legislation, however, requires verification the aid will be used for humanitarian, not political, purposes. There have been widespread reports the North Korean government has prevented humanitarian assistance from reaching citizens who need it.

The bill also expresses Congress’ belief the United States should make human rights a crucial factor in negotiations with North Korea and should increase funding for radio broadcasting to that country.

The chief sponsor of the bill is Rep. Jim Leach, R.-Iowa.

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