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. Ruled by third-generation totalitarian leader Kim Jong Un, the government maintains fearful obedience by using arbitrary detention and imprisonment, torture, executions, enforced disappearances, and forced labor. It systematically denies basic liberties, including freedom of expression, association, assembly, and religion. It bans independent media, civil society organizations, and trade unions. Since 2020, under the pretext of protecting against the spread of Covid-19, the North Korean government has imposed extreme and unnecessary measures to close its borders and tightly restrict domestic travel, with strict controls on the distribution of food and other products within the country.
Severe Restrictions on Movement, Employment, Food
Abuses and Due Process Violations in Pretrial Detention in North Korea
HRW Oral Statement - Universal Periodic Review Outcome Adoption - HRC58
HRW Oral Statement - ID with Special Rapporteur on DPRK - HRC58
Restrictions on Trade, Movement Aggravate Humanitarian Crisis
Protect Prisoners of War from Torture, Inhumane Treatment
Landmine Monitor 2024 Highlights New Use by Russia, Myanmar
Pyongyang Rejects 88 Recommendations on Ending Rights Violations
Returning athletes have reportedly faced “ideological evaluations” and potential punishment for actions that their government views with suspicion
Repression of Athletes Shows Overwhelming Ideological Control at Home and Abroad