Dr. Joseph Wemakor to deliver keynote at global seminar on North Korean human rights situation
Human Rights Reporters
4 min read
Renowned Ghanaian human rights advocate and journalist, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, is set to make a significant international impact as he prepares to deliver the keynote address at the upcoming International Seminar on Enhancing Human Rights Activities in North Korea.
This influential event is scheduled for July 18, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in Accra and is organized by the World Institute of Intercultural Services (WIIS), with notable support from Korea’s Ministry of Unification.
The seminar’s central goal is to elevate the global conversation surrounding North Korea’s ongoing human rights violations, uniquely integrating perspectives from Africa.
Dr. Wemakor’s speech will be part of the session titled “Promoting International Pressure and Policy Recommendations,” where he will outline practical strategies aimed at fostering both international and African solidarity in addressing the human rights challenges posed by North Korea.
This invitation affirms Dr. Wemakor’s reputation as a rising global thought leader in human rights advocacy.
With extensive experience in galvanizing international support for social justice initiatives, his participation underscores his influence on the world stage.
As the founder and executive director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Dr. Wemakor is celebrated for his relentless dedication to empowering women, girls, children, and marginalized communities.
His NGO actively collaborates with journalists, lawyers, and activists to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
His leadership is recognized both within Ghana and internationally—he is a sought-after speaker at conferences, seminars, and workshops globally.
Among the notable platforms where he has shared his insights are the International Seminar on South Korea: COVID-19 and Human Rights Abuses, the Pan African Human Rights and Social Justice Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, and the 2020 UN High-Level Political Forum.
These engagements have helped shape discussions on social justice and human rights, emphasizing his influence across continents.
In Ghana, Dr. Wemakor plays a vital role as the Convener of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs and is an active member of its Steering Committee.
This coalition, comprising over 500 civil society organizations, works tirelessly to promote youth engagement, raise awareness of SDGs, and foster inclusive development.
In February 2025, he was elected to a Technical Advocacy Committee dedicated to advancing Ghana’s Non-Profit Organization (NPO) Bill, further exemplifying his commitment to strengthening civil society and policy reform for sustainable development.
His collaboration with the United Nations Information Center (UNIC Accra) has enhanced his expertise in international cooperation and governance.
Additionally, his advocacy efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, notably a media campaign highlighting over 5,500 reported human rights violations in South Korea—including the detention of Shincheonji Church founder Mr. Lee Man-hee—earned him widespread recognition.
His mobilization of stakeholders across nations and international bodies was instrumental in securing Mr. Lee’s release, further cementing Dr. Wemakor’s reputation as an impactful human rights defender.
Beyond specific causes, his advocacy for gender equality and social justice has garnered numerous global accolades, including features in International Business Woman Magazine, receipt of the prestigious 5th UN Global Entreps Award, the Africa Peace Advocate Award (2023), and recognition among Ghana’s 100 Most Impactful Changemakers (2024).
The Human Rights Reporters Ghana boss has also been a finalist for the African Human Rights Defenders Shield Award and received an Honorary Award for Peace, Security, and Education in 2021.
As a dedicated journalist, Dr. Wemakor has earned awards such as the GIJ Most Influential Student Media Personnel Award (2016), the National Migration Media Award (2018) and recognition in the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) 60th Anniversary Media Contest for his outstanding reporting on the UN SDGs.
His critical reporting on SDG-related issues and his contribution to key reports like the World Bank’s Equality of Opportunity for Sexual and Gender Minorities exemplify his commitment to equality and human dignity.
In 2024, he completed his Doctorate in Executive Leadership in Humanity (DEL) from International Kingdom University in Florida and was honored with the Global Doctoral Humanitarian and Ministerial Excellence Award.
He is a fellow of the Fortifying the Truth Cohort by WITNESS and participates in the Bloomberg Media Initiative’s Africa Financial Journalism Program.
The International Seminar on Enhancing Human Rights Activities in North Korea promises a rich program featuring distinguished speakers, panel discussions, and workshops aimed at fostering international cooperation.
The event will be inaugurated by Professor Park Hung Kook, CEO of WIIS, with the theme “Exposing the State of Human Rights Abuses in North Korea,” while insights from former UN ambassador of South Korea and North Korean defector, Ms. Kim Bomin, will offer powerful testimonies.
Dr. Wemakor’s keynote is expected to deepen the global dialogue on justice and human dignity, emphasizing collective action.
His participation not only highlights the expanding influence of African voices in international human rights advocacy but also underscores a shared commitment to justice, peace, and sustainable development across borders.
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