North Korean defectors testify to torture

Media invite 17:00 – 18:30, Tuesday, 3 November 2009 Room O, Portcullis House, Parliament, London, SW1

One month before North Korea’s human rights record is scrutinised for the first time by the United Nations Human Rights Council, two defectors are in the UK to give evidence of their suffering and torture under the brutal regime of Kim Jong-Il.

Baroness Caroline Cox of Queensbury will chair a hearing in Portcullis House, Parliament on Tuesday 3 November, where former prisoners Guang-il Jung, 46, and Lee Ok Suk, 53, will give evidence of human rights abuses and their torture by North Korea security officials. MP for South West Devon, Gary Streeter, will host the event. A short film excerpt will precede the defectors testimonies and there will be time for question and answer.

In one month, representatives of the regime will face scrutiny at the UN under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). In their submission to the UN North Korea has denied the existence of any human rights abuses. Whilst recent evidence suggests the use of torture may have diminished, few doubt that North Korea still has one of the worst human rights record worldwide, operates a regime of harsh repression and control, and rules a country struggling under meagre food availability. Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s report, North Korea: A Case to Answer, A Call to Act, concludes that there is a prima facie case for the commission of crimes against humanity and that there are indicators of genocide against religious groups, specifically Christians. Analysis focuses primarily on North Korea’s extensive political prison camp system where 200,000 people are believed to be held.

Speaking ahead of the hearing, CSW’s Advocacy Director, Tina Lambert said: “Both Guang-il Jung and Lee, Ok Suk, have experienced suffering and deprivation on a scale that we cannot begin to imagine. Their testimony comes at a crucial time, prior to the UN scrutiny of North Korea and we call on the international community to recognise the gravity of the human rights violations taking place and respond by supporting the call for a Commission of Inquiry by the United Nations to investigate crimes against humanity in North Korea..”

For UPR submission document, biographies and a defector photo, please click here.

To confirm attendance on the day or arrange separate interviews on Monday 2 November, please contact Theresa Malinowska, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide to arrange on 020 8329 0045 / 078 2332 9663 or email theresamalinowska@csw.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

• Use Victoria Embankment Entrance and allow at least 10 min for security.
• Recording equipment must be declared asap by contacting CSW on 0208 329 0045 or 078 2332 9663
• A translator will be available both at the event and for separate interviews.
• Click here to download a copy of CSW’s report, North Korea: A Case to Answer – A Call to Act.