Rep. Mimi Walters Applauds Reauthorization of the North Korean Human Rights Act

Statement

Today, Rep. Mimi Walters (R-California) released the following statement after the House unanimously approved H.R. 2061, the North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act. This legislation would continue the United States' support for programs that promote human rights and democracy, provide humanitarian aid to North Korean refugees, and improve access to uncensored information in North Korea.

Said Rep. Walters, "The Kim Jong-un regime continues to develop nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles capable of striking the West Coast of the United States. Pyongyang continues this illicit weapons program at the expense of millions of its citizens who lack basic necessities, such as food, shelter, and medical care. This barbaric regime consistently utilizes mass executions, kidnappings, forced labor camps, and widespread torture to oppress the North Korean people and consolidate power.

"The United States cannot remain silent in the face this humanitarian crisis and must take action to support North Koreans who are effectively prisoners of the regime.

"Reauthorization of the North Korean Human Rights Act reaffirms our commitment to exposing Pyongyang's human rights abuses and promoting democratic values throughout North Korea. By assisting defectors and delivering humanitarian aid to those in need, the United States can help undermine Kim Jong-un's efforts to oppress the North Korean people.

"I thank my colleagues for their unanimous support for this important legislation."

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