UN Requests Inquiry Letter on Human Rights Violations in North Korea

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) has sent a list of questions to North Korea requesting an explanation regarding human rights violations.

According to the HRC on the 29th, the questionnaire included requests for detailed information on overall human rights conditions in North Korea, the authorities' efforts to improve the situation, and items such as the right to life, prohibition of discrimination, gender equality, and measures to prevent violence against women.

The UN's "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights" (ICCPR) asked, item by item, whether it is being properly observed in North Korea, taking precedence over the Workers' Party regulations or domestic laws.

They specifically inquired about what legislation and measures have been taken to prevent discriminatory acts, how issues such as sexual violence and abortion in detention facilities have been addressed, and requested the latest data on executions and the specific crimes for which the death penalty is applicable.

The questionnaire also included whether North Korean authorities are conducting fair investigations into enforced disappearances, punishing those responsible, and taking measures such as repatriation of related persons to resolve the issues.

Regarding the order to shoot people and animals approaching near the border for COVID-19 quarantine, they requested clarification on whether this measure has been implemented and if there have been cases of residents being killed or injured.

Countries that have ratified the ICCPR are evaluated by the UN every five years to assess whether civil and political rights are being properly upheld.

The Human Rights Committee submits a "list of issues prior to reporting" to the countries under evaluation to hear their responses and, based on this, provides recommendations to each country.

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