The U.S. has nominated a longtime State Department official to serve as special envoy on North Korean human rights issues, moving to fill a position that has been vacant for more than six years.

The White House announced Monday that it has selected Julie Turner, a 16-year veteran of the department who currently serves as director of the Office of East Asia and the Pacific Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, to serve in the role. Her nomination requires Senate approval.

According to the White House, Turner “has primarily focused on initiatives related to promoting human rights in North