Radio Free Asia reported on the 9th (local time) that a report on the violation of women’s human rights in North Korea will be submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the 20th.
Elizabeth Salmon, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea, said in the report, “Violations of women’s human rights in North Korea are serious. “Violence against women is not treated as a serious crime, and victims of sexual violence and sexual harassment are somewhat stigmatised,” he said. “Many women and girls who try to escape from North Korea are sold into forced marriages with Chinese men or forced into the sex industry,” he said, recommending that “North Korea should prepare provisions in its criminal law relating to sexual assault against women.”
North Korea teaches women to “be the flower of loyalty following Kim Jong-un.” In an editorial on International Women’s Day on the 8th, North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun emphasized that “the women of Joseon should become flowers of loyalty who only follow Comrade Kim Jong-un.” The editorial also said, “As a housewife, daughter-in-law, wife, and mother, you should always be aware of your responsibilities, take good care of your parents-in-law, and push your husband and your children to achieve. their duty before the state and society.” He also said, “We must actively contribute to the prosperity of our country by giving birth to many children and raising them well.”
Lee Shin-hwa, Ambassador for International Cooperation in North Korean Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at an international conference last January that there is widespread discrimination against North Korean women and girls, sexual violence, and the risk of human trafficking. in North Korea. women seriously. He said he had to press and persuade North Korea.
