III 118TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. RES. 186 A resolution seeking justice for the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES MAY 1, 2023 Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself and Ms. HIRONO) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION 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; VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:28 May 01, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR186.IS SR186 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 2 •SRES 186 IS 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 realiza- tion of fundamental freedoms and contributes to pro- moting 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 be- tween North Korea and Japanese leaders in an effort to yield stable results: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— 1 (1) calls on North Korea to release any ab- 2 ducted foreign nationals, including those from 3 Japan; 4 (2) urges North Korea to return the remains 5 and provide information on any deceased abductees; 6 (3) urges North Korea to make such repara- 7 tions as are appropriate regarding abductees; and 8 (4) urges North Korea to apologize and perma- 9 nently cease such activities. 10 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:28 May 01, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\SR186.IS SR186 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS