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Summary: Marzuki Darusman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, presented his report to the Human Rights Council's 19th session.
Marzuki Darusman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, said that there had been a significant deterioration in the human rights situation in the country and that more than six million people urgently required food assistance. A number of constitutional and legislative provisions had seriously endangered the impartiality and independence of the judiciary in the country, while as many as 20 executions were reported to have been carried out in 2011. No progress had been made in resolving the question of the abduction of foreign nationals, and the safety and protection of refugees and asylum-seekers was of deep concern. Mr. Darusman called on all States to adhere to their obligation of providing international protection to asylum-seekers and to adhere to the principle of non-refoulement. Mandate a "political plot" The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, speaking as the concerned country, said it did not recognize the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the country. This mandate was a product of political plot and confrontation by the United States, Japan, the European Union and other western countries in advocacy of a hostile policy. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea rejected the report of the Special Rapporteur and said that it was a document of political ploy full of unfounded and irrational allegations fabricated and spread by hostile forces. States' responses In the ensuing debate, speakers noted with regret and concern the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the plight of refugees and asylum seekers. Countries called on the neighbouring States to deal with them in a humane manner and with respect for the principle of non-refoulement. The Government needed to resolve the question of separated families and abductees, repeal the death penalty and urgently address the flaws in the food production system that had led to the current food shortage. The new leadership might represent an opportunity to engage with the international community with a view to addressing all questions and concerns related to human rights and fundamental freedoms. The situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea had been on the agenda of the Human Rights Council for far too long, some speakers said, adding that the Universal Periodic Review allowed examining human rights situation in States on an equal footing and in a cooperative manner.