Working Group on DPRK Justice and Accountability

Welcome

Welcome to the Working Group on DPRK Justice and Accountability. This is a small monthly group for UK-based second-generation North Koreans who want to deepen their understanding of DPRK human rights, justice, and policy processes, contribute informed reflections, and engage with civil society and policymakers.

What is the Working Group for?

The group has three main aims. First, it will help members build practical knowledge of DPRK human rights, justice, accountability, and relevant policy spaces. Second, it will create a respectful and supportive space for learning and discussion. Third, it will help members develop confidence, experience, and skills that can support future academic, advocacy, or professional work.

What will members do?

Members will take part in monthly sessions from March to December, with a break in August. Sessions will usually last around 90-120 minutes and may include short briefings, discussions, guest speakers, and meetings. Some sessions may connect to Korea Future’s wider engagement with civil society, UN actors, or policymakers.

What members can gain

Members will gain exposure to key justice and policy concepts, opportunities to engage with expert speakers, policymakers, and current issues, and a clearer understanding of how international human rights, law, and accountability processes work. Members who complete the programme will receive a certificate, and Korea Future will provide a reference on request.

Suggested title for CV/LinkedIn

Members may describe their role as: Working Group Member, Korea Future

Confidentiality and wellbeing

We want this group to feel respectful and safe. Members are never required to share personal or family experiences. Personal comments shared in the group should not be repeated outside the group without consent.

Participation expectations

Members are asked to attend sessions regularly, participate respectfully, complete short surveys or reflections, and let Korea Future know about any access needs or concerns.

Provisional calendar

  • March: Orientation

  • April: ‘Justice 101’

  • May: Workshop from UN OHCHR Seoul

  • June: Workshop from the UN on UN processes and advocacy

  • July: Workshop from REDRESS on targeted human rights sanctions + Meeting with the UN Special Rapporteur

  • August: Summer Break

  • September: Workshop from Connect: North Korea on non-judicial justice and psychosocial care

  • October: Meeting with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

  • November: Trip to Brussels for meetings with EU and European Parliament

  • December: Meeting and/or event in the UK Houses of Parliament

Survey

Please fill in this survey before our first session.

Terms of Reference

1. Purpose

The Working Group is a small advisory cohort convened by Korea Future to strengthen participant understanding of DPRK human rights, justice, accountability, and policy processes, and to provide opportunities for learning and advancement.

2. Objectives

The objectives of the Working Group are to:

  • build members’ understanding of justice and accountability issues related to the DPRK;

  • create a structured space for informed discussion and reflection;

  • support members to develop practical skills in policy literacy, discussion, and engagement.

3. Membership

Members are expected to be UK-based second-generation North Koreans currently studying at college or university.

Membership runs from March to December 2026, with August as a break month.

4. Meetings

The Working Group will normally meet once per month.

Sessions will usually last around 90-120 minutes and may include guest speakers, short readings, preparatory briefings, and post-meeting reflections.

5. Member responsibilities

Members are expected to:

  • attend sessions regularly and on time;

  • engage respectfully with other members and guests;

  • complete short baseline, feedback, and end-of-year surveys where requested;

  • respect confidentiality;

  • raise any access needs, scheduling concerns, or wellbeing concerns with Korea Future; and

  • avoid presenting themselves as speaking on behalf of Korea Future unless specifically asked to do so.

6. Korea Future responsibilities

Korea Future will:

  • convene and facilitate meetings;

  • share agendas and any short preparatory materials in advance;

  • create a respectful and supportive discussion environment;

  • communicate clearly about expectations, confidentiality, and consent;

  • manage any public-facing opportunities carefully and with explicit permission; and

  • provide certificates and, where appropriate, references.

7. Confidentiality and consent

The Working Group will operate on a confidential basis. Personal comments, experiences, and identifying information shared in sessions should not be repeated outside the group without consent. Screenshots, recordings, and attributions are not permitted unless agreed in advance. Members may choose whether or not they wish to be publicly identified.

8. Safeguarding and wellbeing

No member is required to share personal or family experiences. Members may pass on questions or step away from discussions. Korea Future will approach all sessions in a respectful and participant-centred way.

9. Recognition

Members who complete the programme and meet attendance and participation expectations will receive a certificate of completion. References will be provided on request for members in good standing. The suggested external title for the role is:

Advisory Working Group Member (Volunteer), DPRK Justice & Accountability – Korea Future

10. Nature of participation

Participation in the Working Group is voluntary and does not create an employment relationship.

11. Review and amendment

These Terms of Reference may be reviewed and updated by Korea Future during the year, with any changes communicated to members.