On 18 April 2023, two delegates of the Korea Institute for the National Unification (KINU), Suh Bo-Hyuk, Ph.D. and Haemin Yong, visited the IPN’s headquarters. The aim of the visit was to learn about the Institute activities and to discuss issues related to the IPN expertise in the field of transitional justice. The Korea Institute for National Unification is a think tank funded by the South Korean government focusing on issues related to Korean reunification.

The meeting was organized by the IPN Office of International Cooperation. Joanna Kumor, head of the Division of International Relations, greeted the guests and presented the IPN structure and summarized the role of the Institute substantial divisions. It was emphasized that from its onset the IPN had been the mentoring institution, especially in the field of transitional justice. The IPN’s flagship international project “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” devoted to the fate of Polish soldiers fighting against totalitarianisms during World War II was also mentioned.

Prosecutor Dariusz Gabrel, from the IPN’s Chief Commission for the Prosecution of Crimes against the Polish Nation discussed investigations into German and communist crimes and cases of bringing the perpetrators to justice. Sylwia Szyc and Tomasz Sudoł, Ph.D., from the IPN Historical Research Office outlined the latest activities of the office including research on Polish-Korean relations in the 20^th century.

Both parties agreed as to the importance of international cooperation in promoting truth, reconciliation, and justice throughout the world. It is through continued dialogue and collaboration between different nations and organizations, that we can contribute towards building a better future for all people affected by historical injustice.

For over twenty years, the IPN has served as an essential institution that works towards promoting justice for victims of totalitarian regimes and has offered its mentoring experience in this area during numerous visits of representatives from all over the world.

See also:

Representatives of the Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights visiting Poland

Newly revealed archives on North Korea from former Polish communist secret service reveal documentation on Korean War orphans sent to Poland, and on American and British Prisoners of Korean War held in DPRK.