On June 5th, 2023, members of the Green Party of the United States had the honor of visiting the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. The delegation included 2020 Presidential candidate Howie Hawkins, Former Santa Monica, California Mayor Mike Feinstein, International Committee Co-Chair Austin Bashore, and Young Eco-Socialist Representative Matthew Skolar. We would like to thank the Justice Party for inviting the Green Party US to Parliament. We come today to speak about the climate crisis, labor, peace, and minority rights.

Yesterday, June 5th 2023, the Green Party traveled to Nogunri. Nogunri is a quaint farming village in the middle of the country. In 1950, the small village was the site of a US Military wartime massacre that ended the lives of some 400 innocent villagers, mainly women, children, the elderly, and the disabled. While the Greens are not a party in government, we apologize for the Nogunri Massacre and we want to clearly state that the Green Party opposes war and wishes for a quick and peaceful reunification of the Korean people. 

The Green Party US is also concerned about the rejection of this year’s Seoul Queer Pride Festival. This is not freedom. This is not democracy. This is discrimination. We urge the Seoul City Government to approve the festival. LGBT citizens. Do not live in fear.  Progressive parties are fighting for your human rights.

In the 21st century, racism and racial intolerance is unacceptable in any society. The Green Party US encourages the Republic of Korea to enact an anti-discrimination law and to stop xenophobia. We encourage the construction of the Daegu mosque and for all forms of discrimination to be abolished.

Together, the Green Party US and the Justice Party of Korea condemn the dumping of radioactive waste from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant by the government of Japan. Together, we also oppose the creation of new nuclear plants and push for a global green new deal that also encompasses a nuclear phase-out and disarmament.

From the Arctic to the Amazon, the world we live in is on fire. Scientists say we have 10 years to prevent a climate disaster. We must do our best for this emergency. Not only is it an opportunity to avoid disasters, but it is also an opportunity to pursue an ambitious Green New Deal that the Korean Peninsula will forever be blessed with. This 2024 Korean Parliamentary election and the 2024 US Presidential election is probably the last chance to change course. Children can't vote. The Earth cannot vote. It's up to your will. I want to ask you, "If not now, when?"