North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2023

Findings now cite the State Department's 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices instead of the 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry report, and add that some NGOs estimate political prisoners as high as 200,000 (up from the 80,000-120,000 range).

Added 'followers of Shaminism' alongside Christians as persecuted religious minorities in North Korea.

Language about China's role was softened from 'aiding and abetting in crimes against humanity' to 'aiding and abetting North Korea's human rights violations.'

The finding about the September 2020 killing at the border was changed from 'at least 1 South Korean citizen' to 'at least 1 South Korean official.'

The finding about deplorable conditions was moved from Section 2 (Findings) to Section 3 (Sense of Congress), and 'Workers' Party of Korea' was changed to 'Government of North Korea.'

The Special Envoy vacancy reporting requirement was restructured. The old version required a report within 180 days of enactment and annually through 2028 if the position remained vacant. The new version triggers a report only if the position will remain vacant for 1 year or longer without any presidential nomination, due 90 days before that 1-year mark.

Removed the provision in Section 5 that would have extended the plan update requirement in section 104(a)(7)(B) from 5 years to 10 years.

Removed the Sense of Congress item urging confirmation of Julie Turner without delay, since she was confirmed in July 2023. Also removed the item about ensuring COVID-19 restrictions are necessary, proportionate, and time-bound.

The Sense of Congress item on the Reactionary Thought and Culture Denunciation Law was changed from 'the United States should urge North Korea to repeal' to the more direct 'North Korea should repeal.'

In Section 4(e)(2), the assistance period was changed from '2018 through 2022' to '2024 through 2028,' skipping 2023.