| NORTH KOREA Democratic People's Republic of Korea Choson-minjujuui-inmin-konghwaguk Joined United Nations: 17 September 1991 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 06/07/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Pyongyang
22,665,345 (July 2009 est.)
Kim Jung Il
Chairman since July 1994
Chairman since July 1994
3 September 2003,Supreme People's Assembly (SPA)
reelected KIM Jong Il Chairman of the National Defense
Commission, a position accorded nation's "highest administrative
authority"; SPA reelected KIM Yong Nam president of its
Presidium also with responsibility of representing state and
receiving diplomatic credentials. Elections last held: 08 March
2009
Next scheduled election: 2014
reelected KIM Jong Il Chairman of the National Defense
Commission, a position accorded nation's "highest administrative
authority"; SPA reelected KIM Yong Nam president of its
Presidium also with responsibility of representing state and
receiving diplomatic credentials. Elections last held: 08 March
2009
Next scheduled election: 2014
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Choe Yong-rim
Premier since 07 June 2010
Premier since 07 June 2010
Premier elected by the supreme People's Assembly. Elections:
last held 08 March 2009
Next scheduled election: 2014
last held 08 March 2009
Next scheduled election: 2014
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Racially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese community and a few ethnic Japanese
| RELIGIONS |
Traditionally Buddhist and Confucianist, some Christian and Syncretic Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way)
NOTE: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent; government-sponsored religious groups exist to
provide illusion of religious freedom
NOTE: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent; government-sponsored religious groups exist to
provide illusion of religious freedom
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Communist State where Chairman of the National Defense Commission has absolute authority; 9 provinces (do,
singular and plural) and 4 municipalities (si, singular and plural) Legal system is based on German civil law system with
Japanese influences and Communist legal theory; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction
Executive: Chairman of the National Defense Commission and President of the Presidium elected by SPA for a five
year term, no term limits. Premier appointed by SPA for a five year term, no term limits
Legislative: Unicameral Supreme People's Assembly or Ch'oego Inmin Hoeui (687 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 08 March 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
Judicial: Central Court (judges are elected by the Supreme People's Assembly)
singular and plural) and 4 municipalities (si, singular and plural) Legal system is based on German civil law system with
Japanese influences and Communist legal theory; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction
Executive: Chairman of the National Defense Commission and President of the Presidium elected by SPA for a five
year term, no term limits. Premier appointed by SPA for a five year term, no term limits
Legislative: Unicameral Supreme People's Assembly or Ch'oego Inmin Hoeui (687 seats; members elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 08 March 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
Judicial: Central Court (judges are elected by the Supreme People's Assembly)
| LANGUAGES |
Korean
| BRIEF HISTORY |
An independent kingdom for much of its long history, Korea was occupied by Japan in 1905 following the
Russo-Japanese War. Five years later, Japan formally annexed the entire peninsula. Following World War II, Korea
was split with the northern half coming under Soviet-sponsored Communist domination. After failing in the Korean War
(1950-53) to conquer the US-backed Republic of Korea (ROK) in the southern portion by force, North Korea
(DPRK), under its founder President KIM Il-so'ng, adopted a policy of ostensible diplomatic and economic
"self-reliance" as a check against excessive Soviet or Communist Chinese influence. The DPRK demonized the US as
the ultimate threat to its social system through state-funded propaganda, and molded political, economic, and military
policies around the core ideological objective of eventual unification of Korea under Pyongyang's control. KIM's son,
the current ruler KIM Jong Il, was officially designated as his father's successor in 1980, assuming a growing political
and managerial role until the elder KIM's death in 1994. After decades of economic mismanagement and resource
misallocation, the DPRK since the mid-1990s has relied heavily on international aid to feed its population while
continuing to expend resources to maintain an army of 1 million.In December 2002, following revelations that the
DPRK was pursuing a nuclear weapons program based on enriched uranium in violation of a 1994 agreement with the
US to freeze and ultimately dismantle its existing plutonium-based program, North Korea expelled monitors from the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In January 2003, it declared its withdrawal from the international
Non-Proliferation Treaty. In mid-2003 Pyongyang announced it had completed the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel
rods (to extract weapons-grade plutonium) and was developing a "nuclear deterrent." On October 9, 2006, North
Korea's Korean Central News Agency announced that it had successfully conducted an underground nuclear test.
North Korea returned to the Six-Party Talks in December 2006 and subsequently signed two agreements on
denuclearization. The 13 February 2007 Initial Actions Agreement led to the shut down of three of the North's nuclear
facilities at Yongbyon in July 2007. In the 3 October 2007 Second Phase Actions Agreement, Pyongyang pledged to
disable those three facilities and provide a correct and complete declaration of its nuclear programs by the end of the
year. Under the supervision of US nuclear experts, North Korean personnel completed some of agreed-upon
disablement actions at those three Yongbyon facilities by the end of 2007. North Korea began the discharge of spent
fuel rods in December 2007 and provided a declaration of its nuclear program in June 2008.
Sources CIA World Factbook (select Korea, North); GlobalSecurity.org
Russo-Japanese War. Five years later, Japan formally annexed the entire peninsula. Following World War II, Korea
was split with the northern half coming under Soviet-sponsored Communist domination. After failing in the Korean War
(1950-53) to conquer the US-backed Republic of Korea (ROK) in the southern portion by force, North Korea
(DPRK), under its founder President KIM Il-so'ng, adopted a policy of ostensible diplomatic and economic
"self-reliance" as a check against excessive Soviet or Communist Chinese influence. The DPRK demonized the US as
the ultimate threat to its social system through state-funded propaganda, and molded political, economic, and military
policies around the core ideological objective of eventual unification of Korea under Pyongyang's control. KIM's son,
the current ruler KIM Jong Il, was officially designated as his father's successor in 1980, assuming a growing political
and managerial role until the elder KIM's death in 1994. After decades of economic mismanagement and resource
misallocation, the DPRK since the mid-1990s has relied heavily on international aid to feed its population while
continuing to expend resources to maintain an army of 1 million.In December 2002, following revelations that the
DPRK was pursuing a nuclear weapons program based on enriched uranium in violation of a 1994 agreement with the
US to freeze and ultimately dismantle its existing plutonium-based program, North Korea expelled monitors from the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In January 2003, it declared its withdrawal from the international
Non-Proliferation Treaty. In mid-2003 Pyongyang announced it had completed the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel
rods (to extract weapons-grade plutonium) and was developing a "nuclear deterrent." On October 9, 2006, North
Korea's Korean Central News Agency announced that it had successfully conducted an underground nuclear test.
North Korea returned to the Six-Party Talks in December 2006 and subsequently signed two agreements on
denuclearization. The 13 February 2007 Initial Actions Agreement led to the shut down of three of the North's nuclear
facilities at Yongbyon in July 2007. In the 3 October 2007 Second Phase Actions Agreement, Pyongyang pledged to
disable those three facilities and provide a correct and complete declaration of its nuclear programs by the end of the
year. Under the supervision of US nuclear experts, North Korean personnel completed some of agreed-upon
disablement actions at those three Yongbyon facilities by the end of 2007. North Korea began the discharge of spent
fuel rods in December 2007 and provided a declaration of its nuclear program in June 2008.
Sources CIA World Factbook (select Korea, North); GlobalSecurity.org
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
North Korea, one of the world's most centrally directed and least open economies, faces chronic economic problems.
Industrial capital stock is nearly beyond repair as a result of years of underinvestment and shortages of spare parts.
Large-scale military spending draws off resources needed for investment and civilian consumption. Industrial and power
output have declined in parallel from pre-1990 levels. Severe flooding in the summer of 2007 aggravated chronic food
shortages caused by on-going systemic problems including a lack of arable land, collective farming practices, and
persistent shortages of tractors and fuel. Large-scale international food aid deliveries have allowed the people of North
Korea to escape widespread starvation since famine threatened in 1995, but the population continues to suffer from
prolonged malnutrition and poor living conditions. Since 2002, the government has allowed private "farmers' markets"
to begin selling a wider range of goods. It also permitted some private farming - on an experimental basis - in an effort
to boost agricultural output. In October 2005, the government tried to reverse some of these policies by forbidding
private sales of grains and reinstituting a centralized food rationing system. By December 2005, the government
terminated most international humanitarian assistance operations in North Korea (calling instead for developmental
assistance only) and restricted the activities of remaining international and non-governmental aid organizations such as
the World Food Program. In May 2008, the US agreed to give 500,000 metric tons of food to North Korea via the
World Food Program and US nongovernmental organizations; Pyongyang began receiving these shipments in
mid-2008, but in March 2009 rejected additional US aid shipments. The economy probably grew in 2009 as a result
of favorable climate conditions and energy assistance from other countries. In December 2009, North Korea carried
out a redenomination of its currency, capping the amount of North Korean won that could be exchanged for the new
notes, and limiting the exchange to a one-week window. Firm political control remains the Communist government's
overriding concern, which will likely inhibit the loosening of economic regulations.
Industrial capital stock is nearly beyond repair as a result of years of underinvestment and shortages of spare parts.
Large-scale military spending draws off resources needed for investment and civilian consumption. Industrial and power
output have declined in parallel from pre-1990 levels. Severe flooding in the summer of 2007 aggravated chronic food
shortages caused by on-going systemic problems including a lack of arable land, collective farming practices, and
persistent shortages of tractors and fuel. Large-scale international food aid deliveries have allowed the people of North
Korea to escape widespread starvation since famine threatened in 1995, but the population continues to suffer from
prolonged malnutrition and poor living conditions. Since 2002, the government has allowed private "farmers' markets"
to begin selling a wider range of goods. It also permitted some private farming - on an experimental basis - in an effort
to boost agricultural output. In October 2005, the government tried to reverse some of these policies by forbidding
private sales of grains and reinstituting a centralized food rationing system. By December 2005, the government
terminated most international humanitarian assistance operations in North Korea (calling instead for developmental
assistance only) and restricted the activities of remaining international and non-governmental aid organizations such as
the World Food Program. In May 2008, the US agreed to give 500,000 metric tons of food to North Korea via the
World Food Program and US nongovernmental organizations; Pyongyang began receiving these shipments in
mid-2008, but in March 2009 rejected additional US aid shipments. The economy probably grew in 2009 as a result
of favorable climate conditions and energy assistance from other countries. In December 2009, North Korea carried
out a redenomination of its currency, capping the amount of North Korean won that could be exchanged for the new
notes, and limiting the exchange to a one-week window. Firm political control remains the Communist government's
overriding concern, which will likely inhibit the loosening of economic regulations.
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The ruling party is the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), which is thought to allow some slight inner-party democracy
(see Democratic centralism). The WPK has ruled since North Korea's independence in 1948. Two minor political
parties exist but are legally bound to accept the ruling role of the WPK.[3] Elections occur only in single-candidate
races where the candidate has been selected by the WPK beforehand. Kim Il-sung served as General Secretary and
President of North Korea from 1948 until his death in July 1994. He was given the posthumous title of Eternal
President, symbolizing that he forever holds the position of President, which is formally vacant. Most analysts believe
the title a product of the cult of personality he cultivated during his life. The government is highly controlling and severely
limits freedom of expression and participation of its citizens in government (see Human rights in North Korea).
North Korea is widely considered a Communist state in the Western world, but the government has formally replaced
references to Marxism-Leninism in its constitution with the locally developed concept of Juche, or self-reliance. In
recent years, there has been great emphasis on the Songun or "military-first" philosophy. The constitution of North
Korea declares that "the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea shall, by carrying out a thorough cultural revolution,
train all the people to be builders of socialism and communism".[3] Most of its policies resemble those of Communist
regimes before the fall of the Soviet Union.
The status of the military has been enhanced and it appears to occupy the centre of the North Korean political system;
all the social sectors are forced to follow the military spirit and adopt military methods. Kim Jong Il’s public activity
focuses heavily on on-the-spot guidance of places and events related to the military.
Wikipedia: Politics of North Korea
(see Democratic centralism). The WPK has ruled since North Korea's independence in 1948. Two minor political
parties exist but are legally bound to accept the ruling role of the WPK.[3] Elections occur only in single-candidate
races where the candidate has been selected by the WPK beforehand. Kim Il-sung served as General Secretary and
President of North Korea from 1948 until his death in July 1994. He was given the posthumous title of Eternal
President, symbolizing that he forever holds the position of President, which is formally vacant. Most analysts believe
the title a product of the cult of personality he cultivated during his life. The government is highly controlling and severely
limits freedom of expression and participation of its citizens in government (see Human rights in North Korea).
North Korea is widely considered a Communist state in the Western world, but the government has formally replaced
references to Marxism-Leninism in its constitution with the locally developed concept of Juche, or self-reliance. In
recent years, there has been great emphasis on the Songun or "military-first" philosophy. The constitution of North
Korea declares that "the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea shall, by carrying out a thorough cultural revolution,
train all the people to be builders of socialism and communism".[3] Most of its policies resemble those of Communist
regimes before the fall of the Soviet Union.
The status of the military has been enhanced and it appears to occupy the centre of the North Korean political system;
all the social sectors are forced to follow the military spirit and adopt military methods. Kim Jong Il’s public activity
focuses heavily on on-the-spot guidance of places and events related to the military.
Wikipedia: Politics of North Korea
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Risking arrest, imprisonment, and deportation, tens of thousands of North Koreans cross into China to escape famine,
economic privation, and political oppression; North Korea and China dispute the sovereignty of certain islands in Yalu
and Tumen rivers; Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South
Korea since 1953; periodic incidents in the Yellow Sea with South Korea which claims the Northern Limiting Line as a
maritime boundary; North Korea supports South Korea in rejecting Japan's claim to Liancourt Rocks
(Tok-do/Take-shima)
economic privation, and political oppression; North Korea and China dispute the sovereignty of certain islands in Yalu
and Tumen rivers; Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South
Korea since 1953; periodic incidents in the Yellow Sea with South Korea which claims the Northern Limiting Line as a
maritime boundary; North Korea supports South Korea in rejecting Japan's claim to Liancourt Rocks
(Tok-do/Take-shima)
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
IDPs: Undetermined (flooding in mid-2007 and famine during mid-1990s) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
For years, from the 1970s into the 2000s, citizens of the Democratic People's Republic of (North) Korea (DPRK),
many of them diplomatic employees of the government, were apprehended abroad while trafficking in narcotics,
including two in Turkey in December 2004; police investigations in Taiwan and Japan in recent years have linked North
Korea to large illicit shipments of heroin and methamphetamine, including an attempt by the North Korean merchant
ship Pong Su to deliver 150 kg of heroin to Australia in April 2003
many of them diplomatic employees of the government, were apprehended abroad while trafficking in narcotics,
including two in Turkey in December 2004; police investigations in Taiwan and Japan in recent years have linked North
Korea to large illicit shipments of heroin and methamphetamine, including an attempt by the North Korean merchant
ship Pong Su to deliver 150 kg of heroin to Australia in April 2003
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Democratic People's Republic of Korea*
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) is a dictatorship under the absolute rule of Kim Jong-il, general
secretary of the Korean Workers' Party (KWP) and chairman of the National Defense Commission (NDC), the "highest office of
state." The country has an estimated population of 23.5 million. Kim's father, the late Kim Il-sung, remains "eternal president."
National elections held in March were not free or fair. There was no civilian control of the security forces, and members of the
security forces committed numerous serious human rights abuses.
The government's human rights record remained deplorable, and the government continued to commit numerous serious abuses.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) is a dictatorship under the absolute rule of Kim Jong-il, general
secretary of the Korean Workers' Party (KWP) and chairman of the National Defense Commission (NDC), the "highest office of
state." The country has an estimated population of 23.5 million. Kim's father, the late Kim Il-sung, remains "eternal president."
National elections held in March were not free or fair. There was no civilian control of the security forces, and members of the
security forces committed numerous serious human rights abuses.
The government's human rights record remained deplorable, and the government continued to commit numerous serious abuses.
- Citizens did not have the right to change their government.
- The government subjected citizens to rigid controls over many aspects of their lives.
- There continued to be reports of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary detention, arrests of political prisoners, harsh
and life threatening prison conditions, and torture. - There were reports that pregnant female prisoners underwent forced abortions in some cases, and in other cases babies
were killed upon birth in prisons. - The judiciary was not independent and did not provide fair trials.
- Citizens were denied freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association, and the government attempted to control all
information. - The government restricted freedom of religion, citizens' movement, and worker rights.
- There continued to be reports of severe punishment of some repatriated refugees.
- There were widespread reports of trafficking in women and girls among refugees and workers crossing the border into
China.
29 January 2009
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Fiftieth session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding Observations: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the timely submission of the combined third and fourth periodic report, the written replies to its list of
issues (CRC/C/PRK/Q/4/Add.1) and the constructive dialogue with the delegation of the State party. The Committee regrets,
however, that the paucity of information provided by the State party regard to the actual enjoyment of rights by children in DPRK
has made it difficult to assess the progress achieved in the implementation of the Convention.
B. Follow-up measures and progress achieved by the State party
3. The Committee notes with appreciation the adoption of many administrative and other measures taken with a view to
implementing the Convention, including:
a) The Strategy for the Promotion of Reproductive Health (2006-2010), adopted in May 2006;
b) the Strategy for Prevention of AIDS for 2002-2007;
c) the Primary Health Care Strategy, the Medicine Strategy and other sector-specific strategies for 2008-2012 with particular
emphasis on healthcare of mothers and children;
d) the comprehensive Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities for 2008-2010;
C. Main areas of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation
(arts. 4, 42 and 44, paragraph 6 of the Convention)
Committee’s previous recommendations
5. The Committee notes that several concerns and recommendations made upon the consideration of the State party’s second
periodic report (CRC/C/15/Add.239) have been addressed. However, it regrets that many of its concerns and recommendations
have been insufficiently or only partly addressed, including those related to: data collection; allocation of resources; alternative care;
health; education; and special protection measures.
6. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures to address those recommendations from the concluding
observations of the second periodic report that have not yet been implemented or sufficiently implemented and to provide adequate
follow-up to the recommendations contained in the present concluding observations on the combined third and fourth periodic
report.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Fiftieth session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding Observations: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the timely submission of the combined third and fourth periodic report, the written replies to its list of
issues (CRC/C/PRK/Q/4/Add.1) and the constructive dialogue with the delegation of the State party. The Committee regrets,
however, that the paucity of information provided by the State party regard to the actual enjoyment of rights by children in DPRK
has made it difficult to assess the progress achieved in the implementation of the Convention.
B. Follow-up measures and progress achieved by the State party
3. The Committee notes with appreciation the adoption of many administrative and other measures taken with a view to
implementing the Convention, including:
a) The Strategy for the Promotion of Reproductive Health (2006-2010), adopted in May 2006;
b) the Strategy for Prevention of AIDS for 2002-2007;
c) the Primary Health Care Strategy, the Medicine Strategy and other sector-specific strategies for 2008-2012 with particular
emphasis on healthcare of mothers and children;
d) the comprehensive Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities for 2008-2010;
C. Main areas of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation
(arts. 4, 42 and 44, paragraph 6 of the Convention)
Committee’s previous recommendations
5. The Committee notes that several concerns and recommendations made upon the consideration of the State party’s second
periodic report (CRC/C/15/Add.239) have been addressed. However, it regrets that many of its concerns and recommendations
have been insufficiently or only partly addressed, including those related to: data collection; allocation of resources; alternative care;
health; education; and special protection measures.
6. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures to address those recommendations from the concluding
observations of the second periodic report that have not yet been implemented or sufficiently implemented and to provide adequate
follow-up to the recommendations contained in the present concluding observations on the combined third and fourth periodic
report.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2009
Political Rights Score: 7
Civil Liberties Score: 7
Status: Not Free
Overview
While North Korea’s relations with the United States appeared to thaw in 2008, relations with the South worsened after
conservative president Lee Myung-bak took office there in February. Pyongyang expelled South Korean managers from the joint
Kaesong industrial complex in April, and North Korean forces shot and killed a South Korean tourist in July. In August, North
Korean leader Kim Jong-il was reported to have suffered a stroke, and questions about his health lingered at year’s end. North
Korea made no progress on human rights in 2008, and experienced severe food shortages in the wake of floods in 2007.
In February 2008, the New York Philharmonic held a groundbreaking concert in Pyongyang to foster cultural understanding and
promote diplomacy.
While North Korea’s relations with the United States appeared to thaw, its ties with South Korea broke down after Lee Myung-bak,
a conservative, took office as president there in February 2008. Pyongyang expelled South Korean managers from the countries’
joint Kaesong industrial complex in April and hundreds of other South Koreans working there in November. In July, DPRK security
forces killed a Southern tourist visiting the Mount Kumkang resort. Severe floods in 2007 resulted in acute food shortages in 2008,
but Pyongyang rebuffed Seoul’s offer of food aid and fertilizer.
In August, credible news reports in South Korea suggested that Kim Jong-il had suffered a stroke. He failed to appear at a military
parade marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the DPRK and at other public functions, and speculation about his health
continued at year’s end. Although North Korean authorities have released several photos of Kim Jong Il, allegedly on recent
inspection tours, to dispel rumors that he is ill, some analysts have claimed that these are not current pictures. Kim Jong Il’s public
appearances have yet to be shown in moving images.
North Korea is not an electoral democracy. Kim Jong-il has led the DPRK since the 1994 death of his father, founding leader Kim Il-
sung. He has many titles but rules as the chairman of the National Defense Commission, the “highest office of state” since the
office of president was permanently dedicated to Kim Il-sung in a 1998 constitutional revision. North Korea’s parliament, the
Supreme People’s Assembly, is a rubber-stamp institution elected to five-year terms; the latest elections were held in August 2003.
The body meets irregularly for only a few days each year. It last elected Kim Jong-il as National Defense Commission chairman in
September 2003. All candidates for office, who run unopposed, are preselected by the ruling Korean Workers’ Party and two
subordinate minor parties.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 7
Civil Liberties Score: 7
Status: Not Free
Overview
While North Korea’s relations with the United States appeared to thaw in 2008, relations with the South worsened after
conservative president Lee Myung-bak took office there in February. Pyongyang expelled South Korean managers from the joint
Kaesong industrial complex in April, and North Korean forces shot and killed a South Korean tourist in July. In August, North
Korean leader Kim Jong-il was reported to have suffered a stroke, and questions about his health lingered at year’s end. North
Korea made no progress on human rights in 2008, and experienced severe food shortages in the wake of floods in 2007.
In February 2008, the New York Philharmonic held a groundbreaking concert in Pyongyang to foster cultural understanding and
promote diplomacy.
While North Korea’s relations with the United States appeared to thaw, its ties with South Korea broke down after Lee Myung-bak,
a conservative, took office as president there in February 2008. Pyongyang expelled South Korean managers from the countries’
joint Kaesong industrial complex in April and hundreds of other South Koreans working there in November. In July, DPRK security
forces killed a Southern tourist visiting the Mount Kumkang resort. Severe floods in 2007 resulted in acute food shortages in 2008,
but Pyongyang rebuffed Seoul’s offer of food aid and fertilizer.
In August, credible news reports in South Korea suggested that Kim Jong-il had suffered a stroke. He failed to appear at a military
parade marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the DPRK and at other public functions, and speculation about his health
continued at year’s end. Although North Korean authorities have released several photos of Kim Jong Il, allegedly on recent
inspection tours, to dispel rumors that he is ill, some analysts have claimed that these are not current pictures. Kim Jong Il’s public
appearances have yet to be shown in moving images.
North Korea is not an electoral democracy. Kim Jong-il has led the DPRK since the 1994 death of his father, founding leader Kim Il-
sung. He has many titles but rules as the chairman of the National Defense Commission, the “highest office of state” since the
office of president was permanently dedicated to Kim Il-sung in a 1998 constitutional revision. North Korea’s parliament, the
Supreme People’s Assembly, is a rubber-stamp institution elected to five-year terms; the latest elections were held in August 2003.
The body meets irregularly for only a few days each year. It last elected Kim Jong-il as National Defense Commission chairman in
September 2003. All candidates for office, who run unopposed, are preselected by the ruling Korean Workers’ Party and two
subordinate minor parties.
Click here to read more »
18 November 2009
Amnesty International urges members of the General Assembly’s Third Committee to consider country situations on
merit and vote against any ‘No Action Motions’
The Third Committee of the General Assembly is about to consider human rights situations in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and Myanmar (draft resolutions A/C.3/64/L.37, A/C.3/64/L.35 and A/C.3/64/L.36
respectively). Amnesty International appeals to all Member States to consider country situations on their merits in the Third
Committee. In doing so, committee members should take full account of the seriousness of the situation and whether the country
concerned effectively cooperates with the UN's country and thematic procedures.
No country has a perfect human rights record and no country should be shielded from public scrutiny of its human rights record.
Amnesty International therefore strongly opposes in principle any procedural devices such as 'No Action Motions' that prevent
human rights situations from being considered on their merits. Last year, 'No Action Motions' on Iran and Myanmar were not
passed. Amnesty International hopes that such 'No Action Motions' will not be brought in the Third Committee this year. However,
should this happen, Amnesty International urges all UN Member States to vote against any 'No Action Motions'.
Adopting a motion to adjourn debate on a country under Rule 116 of the General Assembly's Rules of Procedure, a 'No Action
Motion', halts discussion on the human rights situation in that country. It prevents the Third Committee of the General Assembly
from taking specific action to promote and encourage respect for human rights, one of the Purposes and Principles of the UN
Charter. Procedural maneuvering designed to prevent serious human rights situations from being considered on their merits should
have no place in a Committee charged with promoting and protecting human rights.
Some states argue that the General Assembly should cease adopting resolutions on country specific human rights situations,
because all countries are now being reviewed under the system of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) established by the Human
Rights Council. However, the UPR is a cooperative mechanism, based on interactive dialogue, intended to address the fulfillment by
each state of its human rights obligations and commitments in a manner that ensures universality of coverage and equal treatment
with respect to all states (A/RES/60/251, OP5(e)). It was not designed to address gross and systematic or chronic violations of
human rights like those in the country situations that have been considered by the General Assembly. Furthermore, the UPR
considers any state’s human rights record in a four year cycle, a period that is totally insufficient to address gross and systematic
violations or ongoing situations of a chronic nature.
Click here to read more »
Amnesty International urges members of the General Assembly’s Third Committee to consider country situations on
merit and vote against any ‘No Action Motions’
The Third Committee of the General Assembly is about to consider human rights situations in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and Myanmar (draft resolutions A/C.3/64/L.37, A/C.3/64/L.35 and A/C.3/64/L.36
respectively). Amnesty International appeals to all Member States to consider country situations on their merits in the Third
Committee. In doing so, committee members should take full account of the seriousness of the situation and whether the country
concerned effectively cooperates with the UN's country and thematic procedures.
No country has a perfect human rights record and no country should be shielded from public scrutiny of its human rights record.
Amnesty International therefore strongly opposes in principle any procedural devices such as 'No Action Motions' that prevent
human rights situations from being considered on their merits. Last year, 'No Action Motions' on Iran and Myanmar were not
passed. Amnesty International hopes that such 'No Action Motions' will not be brought in the Third Committee this year. However,
should this happen, Amnesty International urges all UN Member States to vote against any 'No Action Motions'.
Adopting a motion to adjourn debate on a country under Rule 116 of the General Assembly's Rules of Procedure, a 'No Action
Motion', halts discussion on the human rights situation in that country. It prevents the Third Committee of the General Assembly
from taking specific action to promote and encourage respect for human rights, one of the Purposes and Principles of the UN
Charter. Procedural maneuvering designed to prevent serious human rights situations from being considered on their merits should
have no place in a Committee charged with promoting and protecting human rights.
Some states argue that the General Assembly should cease adopting resolutions on country specific human rights situations,
because all countries are now being reviewed under the system of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) established by the Human
Rights Council. However, the UPR is a cooperative mechanism, based on interactive dialogue, intended to address the fulfillment by
each state of its human rights obligations and commitments in a manner that ensures universality of coverage and equal treatment
with respect to all states (A/RES/60/251, OP5(e)). It was not designed to address gross and systematic or chronic violations of
human rights like those in the country situations that have been considered by the General Assembly. Furthermore, the UPR
considers any state’s human rights record in a four year cycle, a period that is totally insufficient to address gross and systematic
violations or ongoing situations of a chronic nature.
Click here to read more »
Statement regarding the UPR Outcome Report on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
March 18, 2010
Mr. President,
The Universal Periodic Review of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was an important test to assess how the
DPRK approaches the issue of human rights. Based on our review of the DPRK's submission to the United Nations Human Rights
Council and its response to recommendations from other member states, it is clear that the DPRK has demonstrated neither the
political commitment nor the requisite understanding of what it means to comply with international human rights standards.
Human Rights Watch notes with great concern that the DPRK never extended an invitation to Vitit Muntarbhorn, special rapporteur
on human rights in the DPRK. If this situation does not change, when his term ends this July, Prof. Muntarbhorn will be the only
country special rapporteur never allowed to visit his subject country, let alone have a meaningful dialogue with the subject
government.
The DPRK claims it held 24 separate consultations with its civil society in preparation of its national report. Yet the level of
suppression in the DPRK is so severe that the country lacks any independent civil society organizations.
The DPRK claims that its constitution provides for the freedom of speech, the press, assembly, demonstration, association,
residence and travel, and other rights. Yet the reality is many tens of thousands of North Koreans have escaped the DPRK and
testified to a large number of credible NGOs and human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, how the DPRK government
systematically and brutally suppresses those rights including through public trials and executions of those accused of having
committed "anti-socialist" offenses. Testimonies from survivors reveal that the DPRK maintains a number of large labor camps
where entire families of suspected offenders, including young children, are imprisoned for long sentences, and often for life,
creating in essence, a political caste system. The existence of these labor camps is common knowledge among North Koreans.
The DPRK acknowledges it publicly executes people who "committed very brutal violent crimes," and claims that the requests for
such sentences are made by the families and relatives of victims. However, Human Rights Watch and other organizations have
interviewed many North Korean refugees who witnessed the execution of people accused of non-violent crimes such as theft of
state property.
Click here to read more »
March 18, 2010
Mr. President,
The Universal Periodic Review of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was an important test to assess how the
DPRK approaches the issue of human rights. Based on our review of the DPRK's submission to the United Nations Human Rights
Council and its response to recommendations from other member states, it is clear that the DPRK has demonstrated neither the
political commitment nor the requisite understanding of what it means to comply with international human rights standards.
Human Rights Watch notes with great concern that the DPRK never extended an invitation to Vitit Muntarbhorn, special rapporteur
on human rights in the DPRK. If this situation does not change, when his term ends this July, Prof. Muntarbhorn will be the only
country special rapporteur never allowed to visit his subject country, let alone have a meaningful dialogue with the subject
government.
The DPRK claims it held 24 separate consultations with its civil society in preparation of its national report. Yet the level of
suppression in the DPRK is so severe that the country lacks any independent civil society organizations.
The DPRK claims that its constitution provides for the freedom of speech, the press, assembly, demonstration, association,
residence and travel, and other rights. Yet the reality is many tens of thousands of North Koreans have escaped the DPRK and
testified to a large number of credible NGOs and human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, how the DPRK government
systematically and brutally suppresses those rights including through public trials and executions of those accused of having
committed "anti-socialist" offenses. Testimonies from survivors reveal that the DPRK maintains a number of large labor camps
where entire families of suspected offenders, including young children, are imprisoned for long sentences, and often for life,
creating in essence, a political caste system. The existence of these labor camps is common knowledge among North Koreans.
The DPRK acknowledges it publicly executes people who "committed very brutal violent crimes," and claims that the requests for
such sentences are made by the families and relatives of victims. However, Human Rights Watch and other organizations have
interviewed many North Korean refugees who witnessed the execution of people accused of non-violent crimes such as theft of
state property.
Click here to read more »
Statement by H.E. Mr. PAK KIL YON, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Delegation of the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
New York, 28 September, Juche 98(2009)
Mr. President.
The DPRK attaches importance to sovereignty and equality enshrined in the UN Charter.
The principle of sovereignty and equality is also the reason that we joined UN as a member. Unfair and unequal sanctions will never
be recognized nor accepted.
It is the stand of the DPRK government to react to the dialogue with a dialogue and respond to the "sanctions" by strengthening
nuclear deterrence. If the US comes to dialogue with "sanctions", we will also participate in the dialogue with bolstered nuclear
deterrence.
UN is required to have proper criteria and principle for debating human rights issue.
The UN Charter recognizes the rights of national self-determination and choice, the principle of non-interference in internal affairs
and all international human rights instruments set the non-politicization of human rights as their elementary principles.
But now in UN, some debates are running counter to this. Any attempt to make an issue of systems of specific countries and to
interfere in their internal affairs under the disguise of the "protection of human rights" is, in itself, a violation of human rights
denying the right of people of those countries to choose their own system.
UN should pay attention to the fact that on its human rights agenda there are only "problems" of small countries without mentioning
about big countries, the west and European countries.
Due attention should also be given to the reality in which the role of nonaligned and other developing countries is enhanced on the
international arena. International efforts to attain the Millennium Development Goals and address the central issues of UN like global
economic crisis and climate change urgently call for active participation of a broad spectrum of developing countries including
non-aligned movement.
Click here to read more »
Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
New York, 28 September, Juche 98(2009)
Mr. President.
The DPRK attaches importance to sovereignty and equality enshrined in the UN Charter.
The principle of sovereignty and equality is also the reason that we joined UN as a member. Unfair and unequal sanctions will never
be recognized nor accepted.
It is the stand of the DPRK government to react to the dialogue with a dialogue and respond to the "sanctions" by strengthening
nuclear deterrence. If the US comes to dialogue with "sanctions", we will also participate in the dialogue with bolstered nuclear
deterrence.
UN is required to have proper criteria and principle for debating human rights issue.
The UN Charter recognizes the rights of national self-determination and choice, the principle of non-interference in internal affairs
and all international human rights instruments set the non-politicization of human rights as their elementary principles.
But now in UN, some debates are running counter to this. Any attempt to make an issue of systems of specific countries and to
interfere in their internal affairs under the disguise of the "protection of human rights" is, in itself, a violation of human rights
denying the right of people of those countries to choose their own system.
UN should pay attention to the fact that on its human rights agenda there are only "problems" of small countries without mentioning
about big countries, the west and European countries.
Due attention should also be given to the reality in which the role of nonaligned and other developing countries is enhanced on the
international arena. International efforts to attain the Millennium Development Goals and address the central issues of UN like global
economic crisis and climate change urgently call for active participation of a broad spectrum of developing countries including
non-aligned movement.
Click here to read more »
"Child Is King of the Country" Published
[Daily NK] February 17, 2009
The Citizen’s Alliance for North Korean Human Rights recently published a book called "Child is King of the Country," which
closely investigates the children of North Korea’s human rights and schooling.
The book has been released in Korean and English. The English version, in particular, was named after a North Korean publication
which was released by the North Korean authorities for propaganda purposes and is sold over e-Bay to foreigners.
Based on in-depth interviews with 40 defector youths and 10 adults who all defected between 2001 and 2008, the book compares
the state of North Korean children's human rights as noted by international organizations including the United Nations, and the
North Korean state's official position.
In particular, the contents of the book were circulated as key materials at the 50th United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child (UNCRC), which was held in Geneva, Switzerland on January 23rd, 2009. The Citizens' Alliance explained that it has also
been used as a reference for figuring out North Korea's internal situation by international nongovernmental organizations and
agencies under the auspices of the UN.
This book reveals how humanitarian aid like pulp for text books, medicines and other things from international society flowed into
black markets. Additionally, it shows how the citizens of North Korea have been put at risk, for example in 2001, when an outbreak
of mad cow disease arose in Europe, the German government slaughtered massive numbers of cows in order to stabilize meat
markets, and gave them to North Korea.
The illustration for the book’s cover is called "A Work of Loyalty (2007),” depicting a little girl putting a good shine on photos of
the Leader from the top of layered chairs. The work was donated by renowned artist Sun Moo, known also as the “faceless
defector artist.”
Lee Young Hwan, manager of the Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, said, "This book is an invaluable document
which allows a detailed understanding of the human rights situation of North Korean children. We hope that many will take an
interest in it."
Click here to read more »
[Daily NK] February 17, 2009
The Citizen’s Alliance for North Korean Human Rights recently published a book called "Child is King of the Country," which
closely investigates the children of North Korea’s human rights and schooling.
The book has been released in Korean and English. The English version, in particular, was named after a North Korean publication
which was released by the North Korean authorities for propaganda purposes and is sold over e-Bay to foreigners.
Based on in-depth interviews with 40 defector youths and 10 adults who all defected between 2001 and 2008, the book compares
the state of North Korean children's human rights as noted by international organizations including the United Nations, and the
North Korean state's official position.
In particular, the contents of the book were circulated as key materials at the 50th United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child (UNCRC), which was held in Geneva, Switzerland on January 23rd, 2009. The Citizens' Alliance explained that it has also
been used as a reference for figuring out North Korea's internal situation by international nongovernmental organizations and
agencies under the auspices of the UN.
This book reveals how humanitarian aid like pulp for text books, medicines and other things from international society flowed into
black markets. Additionally, it shows how the citizens of North Korea have been put at risk, for example in 2001, when an outbreak
of mad cow disease arose in Europe, the German government slaughtered massive numbers of cows in order to stabilize meat
markets, and gave them to North Korea.
The illustration for the book’s cover is called "A Work of Loyalty (2007),” depicting a little girl putting a good shine on photos of
the Leader from the top of layered chairs. The work was donated by renowned artist Sun Moo, known also as the “faceless
defector artist.”
Lee Young Hwan, manager of the Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, said, "This book is an invaluable document
which allows a detailed understanding of the human rights situation of North Korean children. We hope that many will take an
interest in it."
Click here to read more »
Housing in Hyungjesan district of Pyongyang is being forcibly removed
09-10-14
North Korea has launched a full-scale construction project to build 100 thousand houses in Pyongyang by 2012. The project, if
completed, would provide new housing to four hundred thousand residents, one sixth of total population in Pyongyang. The
problem is lack of construction budget for resources. As a result, like previous construction projects, at this one, army and
residents are mobilized en masse.
Removal area is △parts of Jungdang-dong, Hadang-dong, Sangdang-dong, Hyungsan-ri, Haksan-ri, Jesan-ri in Hyungjesan district,
△ Wonro-ri (countryside) and Kwangbok-street of Mankyungdae district, △ Tongil street and from behind the Tongil Tower
toward Sunkyo district in Rakrang district, and △ Wasan-dong area in Susung district.
Two hills of Myosan (mountain), also known as Hyungjesan, will be cut to build a road. Starting from the ‘Gosan village’ at
Myosan, removal work has been started. The informant personally saw the destroyed houses and mountain on August 17. Without
proper policy and alternative housing plan, there is confusion and people forced to move out of hometown are disgruntled.
Click here to read more »
09-10-14
North Korea has launched a full-scale construction project to build 100 thousand houses in Pyongyang by 2012. The project, if
completed, would provide new housing to four hundred thousand residents, one sixth of total population in Pyongyang. The
problem is lack of construction budget for resources. As a result, like previous construction projects, at this one, army and
residents are mobilized en masse.
Removal area is △parts of Jungdang-dong, Hadang-dong, Sangdang-dong, Hyungsan-ri, Haksan-ri, Jesan-ri in Hyungjesan district,
△ Wonro-ri (countryside) and Kwangbok-street of Mankyungdae district, △ Tongil street and from behind the Tongil Tower
toward Sunkyo district in Rakrang district, and △ Wasan-dong area in Susung district.
Two hills of Myosan (mountain), also known as Hyungjesan, will be cut to build a road. Starting from the ‘Gosan village’ at
Myosan, removal work has been started. The informant personally saw the destroyed houses and mountain on August 17. Without
proper policy and alternative housing plan, there is confusion and people forced to move out of hometown are disgruntled.
Click here to read more »
Kim Yong Nam
President of the Presidium since
September 1998
President of the Presidium since
September 1998
Click on map for larger view
Click on flag for Country Report
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
Current situation: North Korea is a source country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of
forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; the most common form of trafficking involves North Korean women
and girls who cross the border into China voluntarily; additionally, North Korean women and girls are lured out of
North Korea to escape poor social and economic conditions by the promise of food, jobs, and freedom, only to be
forced into prostitution, marriage, or exploitative labor arrangements once in China
Tier rating: Tier 3 - North Korea does not fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and
is not making significant efforts to do so; the government does not acknowledge the existence of human rights abuses in
the country or recognize trafficking, either within the country or transnationally; North Korea has not ratified the 2000
UN TIP Protocol (2008)
forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation; the most common form of trafficking involves North Korean women
and girls who cross the border into China voluntarily; additionally, North Korean women and girls are lured out of
North Korea to escape poor social and economic conditions by the promise of food, jobs, and freedom, only to be
forced into prostitution, marriage, or exploitative labor arrangements once in China
Tier rating: Tier 3 - North Korea does not fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and
is not making significant efforts to do so; the government does not acknowledge the existence of human rights abuses in
the country or recognize trafficking, either within the country or transnationally; North Korea has not ratified the 2000
UN TIP Protocol (2008)
Kwak Pom Gi, Ro Tu Chol*, O Su Yong+, Pak Su Gil+, Pak Myong Su+
Vice Premiers since 05 September 1998, 3 September 2003* and 4 September 2009+
Vice Premiers since 05 September 1998, 3 September 2003* and 4 September 2009+
