Switzerland: Peace in the Korean Peninsula

BENJAMIN PREVOST
JULY 24, 2018

Korean Women, South & North Peace, Reconciliation, Rights & Development

During the 38th United Nations Human Rights Council, Women's Federation for World Peace Europe, in collaboration with the Women's UN Report Network, organized an event on June 20, 2018 at the UN Palace of Nations in Geneva on "Korean Women, South & North Peace, Reconciliation, Rights & Development".

Numerous diplomats, NGO representatives and UN organizations (UNDP, OHCHR, UNICEF) attended this event. There was an exchange of information with both Korean governments. During the event, Carolyn Handschin, WFWP International Vice President, Yoon Mee-Hyang, Co-Representative of the Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, Lois A.

Herman, founder of the Women's UN Report Network, and Benjamin Prevost, a member of WFWP France, presented on WFWP's effort in South Korea in the establishment of sustainable peace between North and South Korea. They stressed the importance of a sincere apology from Japan toward the victims of sex slavery during the Japanese colonization of Korea, knowing that healing is needed for peace to settle.

An important recommendation was made to the governments of North and South Korea for the establishment of a special meeting place where women from North and South could meet (possibly in the DMZ or nearby) to plan peace building and development projects together. This was conceived with the idea of a future Peace Zone and 5th UN Office in mind.