"North Korea Reintroduces Public Executions... Tightens Control After Lifting COVID Restrictions"

Instead of lifting freedom restrictions due to COVID-19,
resident control is further strengthened

Elizabeth Salmon, the UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights, pointed out that "instead of lifting the basic freedom restrictions imposed in early 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19, North Korea is further strengthening control over its residents," according to a report by Voice of America (VOA) on the 21st.

In a recent report on the human rights situation in North Korea submitted to the 79th UN General Assembly, Special Rapporteur Salmon assessed that the human rights situation in North Korea has worsened.

He criticized, "North Korea severely suppresses private commercial activities, which are the livelihood means for many people, by labeling them as 'antisocial acts.' It is known that public executions and public trials have been reintroduced, strengthening control over residents through fear of harsh punishments."

Special Rapporteur Salmon emphasized, "North Korea has various obligations related to accountability for human rights violations committed within its jurisdiction."

Based on this report, he plans to present the human rights situation in North Korea and improvement measures at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly on the 29th of next month.