For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 21, 2004

President's Statement on the North Korean Human Rights Act
President Signs the North Korea Human Rights Act

On October 18, 2004, the President signed into law the North Korea Human Rights Act. The United States has long been committed to alleviating the suffering and repression of the North Korean people. This Act provides us with useful new tools to address the deplorable human rights situation in North Korea by focusing our efforts to help both those who flee the regime and those who are trapped inside the country. The President's signature on this bipartisan legislation is testimony to our unified concern for and commitment to the welfare of the North Korean people. We will work with other concerned states in the region and internationally to take steps to improve the lives of the average North Korean.

North Korea remains one of the most repressive countries in the world and stands in stark contrast to the march of freedom elsewhere in the region.

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