NORTH KOREA

A new report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide has accused North Korea of international crimes, including crimes against humanity, and recommends that the United Nations establish a strong commission of inquiry. The report states that “there is a prima facie case for the commission of crimes against humanity, namely murder, extermination, enslavement/forced labour, forcible transfer of population, arbitrary imprisonment, torture, persecution, enforced disappearance of persons, other inhumane acts and, perhaps, rape and sexual violence.” It also examines the possibility of genocide and concludes that there are indicators of genocide against religious groups, specifically Christians. The analysis focuses primarily on the extensive political prison camp system where 200,000 people are believed to be held. It has been written by international lawyers and provides extensive testimonies and quotes from North Koreans. It represents the culmination of seven years of research and draws heavily on interviews and consultations with over eighty North Korean defectors. (Christian Solidarity Worldwide)