UN finds 'crimes against humanity' in N Korea

The UN will release a report Monday which accuses the North Korean government of violating its citizens human rights.   While its a step forward concerning North Korea's record in this area there is a plethora of empirical evidence already in the public domain which clearly documents the abuses perpetrated by the Kim family upon the people of North Korea.

From Human Rights Watch  

Although North Korea has ratified four key international human rights treaties and technically possesses a constitution with some rights protections, in reality the government represses all forms of freedom of expression and opinion and does not allow any organized political opposition, independent media, free trade unions, civil society organizations, or religious freedom. Those who attempt to assert rights, fail to demonstrate sufficient reverence for the party and its leadership, or otherwise act in ways deemed contrary to state interests face arbitrary arrest, detention, lack of due process, and torture and ill-treatment. The government also practices collective punishment for supposed anti-state offenses, effectively enslaving hundreds of thousands of citizens, including children, in prison camps and other detention facilities with deplorable conditions and forced labor.

Torture and Inhumane Treatment

North Korean refugees living in exile—some of whom fled after Kim Jong-Un took power—told Human Rights Watch that people arrested in North Korea are routinely tortured by officials seeking confessions, bribes, and obedience. Common forms of torture include sleep deprivation, beatings with iron rods or sticks, kicking and slapping, and enforced sitting or standing for hours. Guards also sexually abuse female detainees.

Executions

North Korea’s criminal code stipulates that the death penalty can be applied for vaguely defined offenses such as “crimes against the state” and “crimes against the people.” A December 2007 amendment to the penal code extended the death penalty to additional crimes, including non-violent offenses such as fraud and smuggling, as long as authorities determine the crime is “extremely serious.” 


From Amnesty International 

North Koreans sent to prison camps and detention centers are often subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Many prisoners fall ill and die in custody or soon after release.

Tens of thousands of North Koreans, as well as nationals from other countries, have been abducted by the North Korean government.

North Korean family members of suspected dissidents have disappeared or been punished under the principle of "guilt by association."

Millions of people have experienced the worst hunger in a decade with women, children and the elderly being the most vulnerable. Many have been forced to scavenge for wild foods or accept food substitutes. The government has failed to seek adequate international assistance. In March of 2009, North Korea refused to accept any further food aid from the U.S.

Public executions, even for offenses not subject to the death penalty under domestic law. Death offenses include, "treason against the Fatherland," and "treason against the people".

North Korea's appetite for executions remains undiminished

Under Kim Jong-un, North Korea routinely uses torture, incarceration and capital punishment to stifle dissent

Whatever the truth of the charges against Jang Song-thaek, even his proximity to power in North Korea could not prevent him joining countless compatriots who have become victims of what, by any reckoning, is one of the world's most brutal regimes in the world.

Following the machinations of the North Korean regime is often an exercise in speculation as the world awaits confirmation, or denial, of the latest rumoured purges, reshuffles or executions from the Korean Central News Agency, the country's propaganda machine.

But thanks to satellite imagery and the testimony of defectors, we know with increasing certainty that under the leadership of three generations of the Kim dynasty, North Korea has routinely used torture, incarceration and capital punishment to stifle dissent, whether from pretenders to the Kims' throne or from the ideologically "impure" among its 24 million people.

How will a report released by the United Nations change the circumstances under which the people of North Korea are forced to live.    Can international pressure  be applied to a state and government which acts of its own accord  no matter what evidence is provided by  governments and international rights  groups in reference to the abuses visited upon the people of North Korea?  If these types of pressure haven't worked in the past how will they work now.