U.S. confirms vacancy of N. Korean human rights envoy position

The U.S. State Department has confirmed that the position of Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues is once again vacant following Julie Turner's departure in January.

Turner, who was appointed in 2023, held the position until early this year after a six-year vacancy.

Her exit comes as part of a broader reshuffling by the Trump administration, which has eliminated several special envoy positions, including the position dedicated to North Korea.

And with the administration proposing a major State Department overhaul, it's unclear if or when the role will be refilled.