Inside North Korea’s Desperate Measures: Kim Jong-un’s Deadly Arsenal Sparks Fear Among Citizens
- In early 2020, North Korea severely restricted the basic freedoms of its citizens under the pretext of preventing the spread of COVID-19.
- According to a report recently submitted to the UN General Assembly by Elizabeth Salmon, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in North Korea, North Korea is assessed...
- The Salmon Report pointed out that North Korea severely suppresses commercial activities, which are the people's livelihood, by defining them as anti-social behavior.
North Korea’s Human Rights Situation Worsens Amid COVID-19 Restrictions
In early 2020, North Korea severely restricted the basic freedoms of its citizens under the pretext of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Although the country has since emerged from the coronavirus crisis, there is analysis that North Korea’s control has actually become more severe.
According to a report recently submitted to the UN General Assembly by Elizabeth Salmon, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in North Korea, North Korea is assessed to be restricting its citizens’ right to move, right to work, and right to food.
The Salmon Report pointed out that North Korea severely suppresses commercial activities, which are the people’s livelihood, by defining them as anti-social behavior. Public executions and public trials were reportedly reintroduced, which is interpreted as an attempt to strengthen control over the population by creating fear through harsh punishments.
Last month, a series of defections from Gyodong Island in the West Sea and Gosung in Gangwon Province also appear to be related to the poor human rights situation and the politics of fear.
North Korea’s government has taken measures to prevent defections, including increasing the height of border barriers, tightening security, and installing weapons. This has led to a significant increase in the number of people being shot while attempting to defect.
South Korea’s government plans to address North Korea’s human rights situation at the UN General Assembly, which will be held from the 24th. The government will also participate in a side event on North Korean human rights to raise awareness and send a unified message to the international community.
North Korea has previously criticized the UN Secretary-General’s human rights report, which stated that the human rights situation had worsened this year, as fabricated and distorted. It is likely that North Korea will strongly oppose the report again, leading to an intensification of the war of nerves with the international community.
Related Topics:
- North Korea’s human rights situation
- COVID-19 restrictions
- UN General Assembly
- Elizabeth Salmon
- UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in North Korea
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North Korea’s human rights situation has worsened amid COVID-19 restrictions. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in North Korea has reported that the country is restricting its citizens’ right to move, work, and food. South Korea’s government plans to address the issue at the UN General Assembly.