The ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs says South Korea, the U.S. and Japan are in talks to hold a meeting on North Korea's human rights in Washington in early October.

At a press briefing on Friday, unification ministry deputy spokesperson Kim In-ae said the envisioned one-point-five-track international forum involving governments and civilians will most likely address the North's human rights abuses and other related issues.

The event is reportedly being prepared for the three sides to unite in voicing concerns over the human rights issue amid enhanced tripartite cooperation following a summit of their leaders at Camp David last August.

Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho could attend the forum as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell had requested his attendance when they met in Washington last month.

At the forum, the ministry intends to explain President Yoon Suk Yeol's "August 15 Unification Doctrine" which includes improvement of the North's rights situation as a key strategy.