Serious human rights issues in North Korea have once again come under international discussion. According to the latest report published by the United Nations, citizens who distribute or watch foreign, especially South Korean TV dramas, face severe punishment in the country. In some cases, it has been revealed that they have been sentenced to death by court ruling.
James Heenan, head of the UN Human Rights Mission, stated that since 2014 surveillance over the population in North Korea has been strengthened. Monitoring systems using new technologies have been introduced, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, punitive measures have become even harsher.
It is emphasized that not only for political accusations, but also for ordinary offenses, the number of executions has significantly increased. This situation is causing serious concern in the international community.
However, the report also notes some positive aspects: cases of violence in prisons have decreased to some extent, and minor reforms are being implemented in the judicial and legal system. Nevertheless, UN experts express deep concern about the issue of child labor in the country. According to the information, teenagers are being forced to work in dangerous industries — coal mining, construction work, and in special “shock brigades.”
International human rights defenders consider this situation as one of the most serious violations of human rights. Experts call on the North Korean government to abolish the death penalty, end forced labor, and recognize human dignity as a supreme value.
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