HRC52: Oral statement on the situation of human rights in the DPRK

Item 4: ID with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK

Organisation:Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker:Claire Denman

Thank you, Mr President.

CSW welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on the DPRK.

The situation of human rights in the DPRK remains in urgent need of international attention, ten years on from the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry.

We are deeply concerned by grave and widespread violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief. Any DPRK citizen who expresses an opinion or belief outside the state ideology faces severe punishment, including imprisonment, torture, and even execution.

We call on the DPRK to uphold and respect the right to freedom of religion or belief, and to release all persons currently detained in prison camps immediately and unconditionally.

CSW remains concerned about the DPRK’s continued restrictions on freedom of movement. Closed borders and high security, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to prevent citizens from leaving the country.

Citizens who escape to China risk forcible repatriation, which contravenes China’s obligations under international refugee law. Repatriated individuals found to have had contact with Christians are known to face particularly harsh punishment.

We call on China to adhere to international obligations with regards to refugees, ensuring that those who flee the DPRK are protected.

CSW is also concerned about recent reports of widespread starvation and food insecurity, particularly against the backdrop of excessive domestic military spending. We call on the DPRK to redirect their resources towards addressing chronic food insecurity.

We continue to encourage the Human Rights Council to discuss the human rights situation in the DPRK annually, separately from the question of nuclear non-proliferation. We call on all members of the international community to ensure human rights concerns are consistently raised in bilateral dialogues, until all human rights in the DPRK are fully upheld and protected.

Thank you.