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Linkages between human rights violations in the DPRK penal system and threats to peae and security
- Despite a decade has passed since a United Nations Commission of Inquiry (COI) was mandated to ensure full accountability for violations of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, there has been no significant progress, particularly regarding crimes against humanity and ensuring accountability.
- The ongoing human rights violations in North Korea are inextricably linked with the threats to peace and security concerns, with violations in the penal system destabilizing security policies.
- Indeed, the DPRK’s penal system serves as a political apparatus to enforce loyalty to Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, rather than serving conventional judicial and penal purposes. It eventually supports North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, drawing a direct link between human rights abuses and security concerns.
- To address human rights violations in North Korea’s penal system and their connection to the country’s weapon programs, i) implement targeted human rights sanctions by various countries such as the US and UK, targeting individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses, ii) impose potential universal jurisdiction laws that enable the prosecution of certain international crimes, such as torture, even when committed outside the prosecuting country's territory.