United Nations Radio

A United Nations human rights investigator says civilians in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) continue to endure harrowing and horrifying human rights abuses.

malnourished child

Vitit Muntarbhorn, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in DPRK, is calling on the international community to use all means available to protect the people of North Korea from what he describes as grievous and endemic human rights abuses committed by the military government. Patrick Maigua Reports from Geneva:

Addressing the Human Rights Council, Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn said although the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea was facing severe food shortages, the government continues to deprive its people means through which they can attain food security. He criticized the country's justice system saying judges, prosecutors and lawyers were part of the state machinery and lack independence. Prof. Muntarbhorn called on the government to halt public executions and close down detention camps for political prisoners and their families. He said the non-democratic nature of the government has created a pervasive 'state of fear' among its citizens:

"My report also refers to longer term measures needed in relation to the country concerned including the need to modernize the national system by instituting reforms to ensure greater peoples participation in the process, to institute equitable development policies based on people first policy rather than the current military first policy and re-allocate national budgets accordingly, guarantee personal security and freedoms by dismantling the pervasive surveillance and information system that exists and abide by the international rule of law. There is the special challenge of the role of the UN system and its conscience to impel constructive changes and accountability to ensure that the people of the DPRK are protected from the violence and violations-latent, patent and blatant- which have been so widespread and systematic for so long."

In response, Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea envoy Choe Myong Nam said his government rejects the report, adding it was part of a conspiracy to eliminate his country under the pretext of human rights. He said North Korea respects international human rights laws and would endeavor to promote genuine dialogue and cooperation on human rights. Patrick Maigua UN Radio Geneva.

Duration: 49"