Full Text
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Res. 358 Introduced in House (IH)]
119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 358
A resolution seeking justice for the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 29, 2025
Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia (for herself and Ms. Tokuda) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
A resolution seeking justice for the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.
Whereas the United States Government recognizes that North Korea was abducting Japanese citizens since the 1970s; Whereas, in September 2002, North Korea admitted that it had abducted Japanese citizens and promised to prevent further recurrences; Whereas, in October of 2002, only 5 abductees were returned to Japan after being held prisoner for 24 years, despite the explicit commitment of North Korea to investigate what had happened to all abductees; Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights upholds the basic principles of liberty and freedom enshrined within the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights; Whereas human rights awareness is essential to the realization of fundamental freedoms and contributes to promoting equality, preventing conflict and human rights violations, and enhancing participation in democratic processes; Whereas these abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korea directly conflict with the basic principle of liberty and freedom; and Whereas there have been several attempts at dialogue between North Korea and Japanese leaders in an effort to yield stable results: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) calls on North Korea to release any abducted foreign nationals, including those from Japan; (2) urges North Korea to return the remains and provide information on any deceased abductees; (3) urges North Korea to make such restitution as appropriate regarding abductees; and (4) urges North Korea to apologize and permanently cease such activities.