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| Korean Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon speaks during the Justice Ministers Conference in London, Monday (local time). Courtesy of Ministry of Justice |
By Ko Dong-hwan
Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon indicated the Korean War as a lesson to unite the world right now and stop the Russian invasion of Ukraine, during a recent global summit for justice ministers as history serves as a reminder that unity and cooperation among nations can be instrumental in resolving conflicts and promoting justice.
Mentioning the three-year war that started in 1950, Han said Monday (local time) that the battle had seen international communities rising in solidarity and providing support to Koreans. Some 30 countries sent forces to support South Korea's defense against an invading North Korea that was only backed by China and the then Soviet Union.
"South Korea suffered from acts of aggression in 1950 and it was innocent civilians who bore the brunt of the devastation. Even to this day, some of the deep, broad wounds of war haven't been fully healed," Han said during the Justice Ministers Conference in London.
"As a people, we understand, probably more than anybody else, the importance of international solidarity and support and what that means for the victims in Ukraine. It's not about politics or ideology. It's about what our hearts tell us to do."
Top justice ministers from 20 different countries including the U.K., France, Germany, Spain and Canada as well as key members of the International Criminal Court and justice ministries from nations joined the summit. The dignitaries discussed what the International Criminal Court (ICC) should do to bring justice to bear against Russia's war initiative and how the victims of Putin's war should be helped further from now on.
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| Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon, left, meets Ukraine Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin during the Justice Ministers Conference in London, the U.K., Monday (local time). Courtesy of Ministry of Justice |
"An illegal invasion taking innocent lives cannot be justified under any circumstances and the values we profess to be sacred and universal must be protected," said Han during the conference.
He earned the seat at the table upon being invited by U.K. Secretary of State for Justice Dominic Raab and Dutch Minister of Justice and Security Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius.
Calling Korea a "responsible member of the international community and the sixth largest contributor (to the world in terms of military, economy and diplomacy)," Han said his country will collaborate closely with the ICC. He added that Korea will pledge an additional $130 million in assistance to Ukraine, in addition to the $100 million provided last year.
People in Korea, though faraway from Ukraine, hear the sound of bombing against civilians and cries for the loss of loved ones, according to the minister. "It's not about geography or distance: It's about solidarity and justice," he said.
Han warned against remaining silent before war criminals so that they will be consistently deterred by a force allied under justice. "Silence in the face of inhumane acts will diminish our values and strength. Silence will embolden potential war criminals to cross the line time and again. Silence now will make this world a more dangerous place in the future," said the minister.
Han expressed his sympathies to Ukraine Minister of Justice Denys Maliuska and the country's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin as he finished the speech.
Han's London visit closely followed his recent tour to Europe, including France, Germany and the Netherlands, earlier this month to benchmark their immigration policies.
