April 30, 2025
Mr. Sullivan (for himself, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Hagerty, Mr. Schatz, and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
A resolution seeking justice for the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.
Whereas the United States Government recognizes that North Korea was abducting Japanese citizens since the 1970s;
Whereas, in September 2002, North Korea admitted that it had abducted Japanese citizens and promised to prevent further recurrences;
Whereas, in October of 2002, only 5 abductees were returned to Japan after being held prisoner for 24 years, despite the explicit commitment of North Korea to investigate what had happened to all abductees;
Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights upholds the basic principles of liberty and freedom enshrined within the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights;
Whereas human rights awareness is essential to the realization of fundamental freedoms and contributes to promoting equality, preventing conflict and human rights violations, and enhancing participation in democratic processes;
Whereas these abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korea directly conflict with the basic principle of liberty and freedom; and
Whereas there have been several attempts at dialogue between North Korea and Japanese leaders in an effort to yield stable results: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
(1)
calls on North Korea to release any abducted foreign nationals, including those from Japan;
(2)
urges North Korea to return the remains and provide information on any deceased abductees;
(3)
urges North Korea to make such reparations as are appropriate regarding abductees;
(4)
urges North Korea to apologize and permanently cease such activities; and
(5)
encourages the President to ensure that this matter is addressed in any future interaction with North Korea officials.