Accra: The Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, is set to deliver a keynote address at the International Seminar on Enhancing Human Rights Activities in North Korea, taking place in Accra on July 16. Organized by the World Institute of Intercultural Services (WIIS) with support from Korea's Ministry of Unification, the seminar aims to amplify global dialogue on North Korea's human rights violations, uniquely integrating African perspectives.
According to Ghana News Agency, the seminar will be themed 'Promoting International Pressure and Policy Recommendations' and will outline actionable strategies to foster global and African solidarity in tackling North Korea's human rights challenges. Dr. Wemakor's participation underscores his growing influence as a global thought leader in human rights advocacy, where he brings his extensive experience in mobilizing international support to this critical conversation.
Dr. Wemakor, a Ghanaian human rights advocate and journalist, is celebrated for his efforts in empowering marginalized communities. He leads an NGO that collaborates with journalists, lawyers, and activists to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His leadership and advocacy work extend to national, regional, and international platforms, where he is recognized as a speaker on human rights issues.
He has spoken at numerous prestigious conferences and seminars, including the International Seminar on South Korea: COVID19 and Human Rights Abuses, the Pan African Human Rights and Social Justice Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, and the 2020 UN High-Level Political Forum. Within Ghana, he serves as the Convener of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs and is a member of its Steering Committee.
Dr. Wemakor's advocacy efforts gained international recognition in 2020 through HRRG's media campaign addressing human rights abuses in South Korea amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign highlighted over 5,500 reported violations, including the unjust arrest of Mr. Lee Man-hee, founder of Shincheonji Church of Jesus Christ, and drew the attention of activists, journalists, and international bodies. This campaign played a pivotal role in securing Mr. Lee's release and earned HRRG widespread acclaim.
Dr. Wemakor's dedication to gender equality and social justice has been recognized globally. His achievements include an interview in International Business Woman Magazine, the 5th UN Global Entreps Award, and the Africa Peace Advocate Award. He was also listed among Ghana's 100 Most Impactful Changemakers and was a finalist for the African Human Rights Defenders Shield Award.
The WIIS seminar will feature distinguished speakers, panel discussions, and workshops fostering international collaboration. Professor Park Hung Kook, CEO of WIIS, will inaugurate the event, while a former UN ambassador of South Korea and North Korean defector Ms. Kim Bomin will share insights and testimonies.
