Six prominent nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have urged the new special rapporteur on North Korean human rights to prioritize a “victims-centered approach” over engagement, in a statement released to coincide with Elizabeth Salmón’s first visit to Seoul since her appointment.

The NGOs open letter, presented to Salmón on Monday, responds to her first statement as special envoy published in early August in which she said dialogue with the DPRK would be one of her “top priorities.” 

“We  understand  the  importance  for  the  Special  Rapporteur  to  establish  direct  contact  with  the  North Korean  government  and  the  North  Korean  people (…) However,