North Korea: Escapees Describe Covid-Linked Repression
Severe Restrictions on Movement, Employment, Food
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) remains one of the most repressive countries in the world. A 2014 United Nations Commission of Inquiry report found that the government committed systematic, widespread, and gross human rights violations that constitute crimes against humanity. These findings remain valid.
Ruled by third-generation totalitarian leader Kim Jong Un, the government maintains control through cruel punishments, including executions, torture, arbitrary detention and imprisonment, enforced disappearances, forced labor, collective punishment, and pervasive surveillance. It systematically denies all basic liberties.
Since 2020, authorities have used the Covid-19 pandemic to justify extreme restrictions. Although many such measures have been lifted, the government maintains a shoot-on-site order at the northern border and continues to tightly restricts access to information and contact with the outside world.
Severe Restrictions on Movement, Employment, Food
Abuses and Due Process Violations in Pretrial Detention in North Korea
HRW Oral Statement - ID with the Special Rapporteur on the DPRK - HRC61
Tightened Control over Youth, Information; Widespread Forced Labor
Pyongyang Further Restricts Trade, Movement, Access to Information
Thousands Lured to Immigrate Faced Lives of Abuse
61st Session of the Human Rights Council
2025 North Korean human rights resolution to be adopted at the 80th United Nations General Assembly
At Least 406 Returned to Likely Persecution since 2024
HRW Oral Statement - EID on the HC report on the DPRK - HRC60