Monday 15 September 2014

N. Korea issues human rights report






North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, center, tours a frontline military unit, in this image released July 16 by state run North Korean Central News Agency. A recent <a href='http://ift.tt/NYJRJQ'>United Nations report</a> described a brutal North Korean state "that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world."North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, center, tours a frontline military unit, in this image released July 16 by state run North Korean Central News Agency. A recent United Nations report described a brutal North Korean state "that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world."

Kim poses for a photo as he oversees a tactical rocket firing drill in June.Kim poses for a photo as he oversees a tactical rocket firing drill in June.

Kim watches a tactical rocket firing drill in June.Kim watches a tactical rocket firing drill in June.

A North Korean soldier patrols the bank of the Yalu River, which separates the North Korean town of Sinuiju from the Chinese border town of Dandong, on April 26.A North Korean soldier patrols the bank of the Yalu River, which separates the North Korean town of Sinuiju from the Chinese border town of Dandong, on April 26.

A soldier looks through binoculars inside a sentry post along the bank of the Yalu River on Monday, April 7.A soldier looks through binoculars inside a sentry post along the bank of the Yalu River on Monday, April 7.

In this photo released April 24, by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim smiles with female soldiers after inspecting a rocket-launching drill at an undisclosed location.In this photo released April 24, by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim smiles with female soldiers after inspecting a rocket-launching drill at an undisclosed location.

A picture released on Tuesday, March 18, by the KCNA shows Kim attending a shooting practice at a military academy in Pyongyang, North Korea. A picture released on Tuesday, March 18, by the KCNA shows Kim attending a shooting practice at a military academy in Pyongyang, North Korea.

A North Korean soldier uses binoculars on Thursday, February 6, to look at South Korea from the border village of Panmunjom, which has separated the two Koreas since the Korean War. A North Korean soldier uses binoculars on Thursday, February 6, to look at South Korea from the border village of Panmunjom, which has separated the two Koreas since the Korean War.

A North Korean soldier kicks a pole along the banks of the Yalu River on Tuesday, February 4.A North Korean soldier kicks a pole along the banks of the Yalu River on Tuesday, February 4.

A photo released by the KCNA on Thursday, January 23, shows the North Korean leader inspecting an army unit during a winter drill.A photo released by the KCNA on Thursday, January 23, shows the North Korean leader inspecting an army unit during a winter drill.

Kim inspects the command of an army unit in this undated photo released Sunday, January 12, by the KCNA.Kim inspects the command of an army unit in this undated photo released Sunday, January 12, by the KCNA.

Kim visits an army unit in this undated photo. Kim visits an army unit in this undated photo.

A picture released by the KCNA on Wednesday, December 25, shows Kim visiting an army unit near the western port city of Nampo.A picture released by the KCNA on Wednesday, December 25, shows Kim visiting an army unit near the western port city of Nampo.

Kim inspects a military factory in this undated picture released by the KCNA on Friday, May 17.Kim inspects a military factory in this undated picture released by the KCNA on Friday, May 17.

Kim visits the Ministry of People's Security on Wednesday, May 1, as part of the country's May Day celebrations.Kim visits the Ministry of People's Security on Wednesday, May 1, as part of the country's May Day celebrations.

A North Korean soldier, near Sinuiju, gestures to stop photographers from taking photos on Saturday, April 6. A North Korean soldier, near Sinuiju, gestures to stop photographers from taking photos on Saturday, April 6.

North Korean soldiers gather by the docks in Sinuiju, near the Chinese border, on Thursday, April 4.North Korean soldiers gather by the docks in Sinuiju, near the Chinese border, on Thursday, April 4.

North Korean soldiers patrol near the Yalu River on April 4.North Korean soldiers patrol near the Yalu River on April 4.

Kim is briefed by his generals in this undated photo. On the wall is a map titled "Plan for the strategic forces to target mainland U.S." Kim is briefed by his generals in this undated photo. On the wall is a map titled "Plan for the strategic forces to target mainland U.S."

Kim works during a briefing in this undated photo.Kim works during a briefing in this undated photo.

In this KCNA photo, Kim inspects naval drills at an undisclosed location on North Korea's east coast on Monday, March 25.In this KCNA photo, Kim inspects naval drills at an undisclosed location on North Korea's east coast on Monday, March 25.

Kim, with North Korean soldiers, makes his way to an observation post on March 25.Kim, with North Korean soldiers, makes his way to an observation post on March 25.

Kim uses a pair of binoculars to look south from the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment, near South Korea's Taeyonphyong Island, on Thursday, March 7.Kim uses a pair of binoculars to look south from the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment, near South Korea's Taeyonphyong Island, on Thursday, March 7.

Kim is greeted by a soldier's family as he inspects the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment on March 7.Kim is greeted by a soldier's family as he inspects the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment on March 7.

Kim is surrounded by soldiers during a visit to the Mu Islet Hero Defense Detachment, also near Taeyonphyong Island, on March 7.Kim is surrounded by soldiers during a visit to the Mu Islet Hero Defense Detachment, also near Taeyonphyong Island, on March 7.

Kim arrives at Jangjae Islet by boat to meet with soldiers of the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment on March 7.Kim arrives at Jangjae Islet by boat to meet with soldiers of the Jangjae Islet Defense Detachment on March 7.

Soldiers in the North Korean army train at an undisclosed location on Wednesday, March 6. Soldiers in the North Korean army train at an undisclosed location on Wednesday, March 6.

In a photo released by the official North Korean news agency in December 2012, Kim celebrates a rocket's launch with staff from the satellite control center in Pyongyang.In a photo released by the official North Korean news agency in December 2012, Kim celebrates a rocket's launch with staff from the satellite control center in Pyongyang.

Kim, center, poses in this undated picture released by North Korea's official news agency in November 2012.Kim, center, poses in this undated picture released by North Korea's official news agency in November 2012.

Kim Jong Un visits the Rungna People's Pleasure Ground, under construction in Pyongyang, in a photo released in July 2012 by the KNCA.Kim Jong Un visits the Rungna People's Pleasure Ground, under construction in Pyongyang, in a photo released in July 2012 by the KNCA.

A crowd watches as statues of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il are unveiled during a ceremony in Pyongyang in April 2012.A crowd watches as statues of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il are unveiled during a ceremony in Pyongyang in April 2012.

A North Korean soldier stands guard in front of an UNHA III rocket at the Tangachai-ri Space Center in April 2012.A North Korean soldier stands guard in front of an UNHA III rocket at the Tangachai-ri Space Center in April 2012.

In April 2012, Pyongyang launched a long-range rocket that broke apart and fell into the sea. Here, the UNHA III rocket is pictured on its launch pad in Tang Chung Ri, North Korea.In April 2012, Pyongyang launched a long-range rocket that broke apart and fell into the sea. Here, the UNHA III rocket is pictured on its launch pad in Tang Chung Ri, North Korea.

A closer look at the UNHA III rocket on its launch pad in Tang Chung Ri, North Korea.A closer look at the UNHA III rocket on its launch pad in Tang Chung Ri, North Korea.

A military vehicle participates in a parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.A military vehicle participates in a parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.

North Koreans wave flags in front of portraits of Kim Il Sung, left, and Kim Jong Il during celebrations to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang in April 2012.North Koreans wave flags in front of portraits of Kim Il Sung, left, and Kim Jong Il during celebrations to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang in April 2012.

North Korean soldiers relax at the end of an official ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un at a stadium in Pyongyang in April 2012.North Korean soldiers relax at the end of an official ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un at a stadium in Pyongyang in April 2012.

Kim Jong Un applauds as he watches a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.Kim Jong Un applauds as he watches a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.

A North Korean soldier stands on a balcony in Pyongyang in April 2012.A North Korean soldier stands on a balcony in Pyongyang in April 2012.

North Korean soldiers march during a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.North Korean soldiers march during a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.

Soldiers board a bus outside a theater in Pyongyang in April 2012.Soldiers board a bus outside a theater in Pyongyang in April 2012.

North Korean performers sit below a screen showing images of leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in April 2012.North Korean performers sit below a screen showing images of leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in April 2012.

North Korean soldiers salute during a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.North Korean soldiers salute during a military parade in Pyongyang in April 2012.

North Korean soldiers listen to a speech during an official ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un at a stadium in Pyongyang in April 2012.North Korean soldiers listen to a speech during an official ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un at a stadium in Pyongyang in April 2012.

Members of a North Korean military band gather following an official ceremony at the Kim Il Sung stadium in Pyongyang in April 2012.Members of a North Korean military band gather following an official ceremony at the Kim Il Sung stadium in Pyongyang in April 2012.

North Korean military personnel watch a performance in Pyongyang in April 2012.North Korean military personnel watch a performance in Pyongyang in April 2012.

A North Korean controller is seen along the railway line between the Pyongyang and North Pyongan provinces in April 2012.A North Korean controller is seen along the railway line between the Pyongyang and North Pyongan provinces in April 2012.

A North Korean military honor guard stands at attention at Pyongyang's airport in May 2001.A North Korean military honor guard stands at attention at Pyongyang's airport in May 2001.








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  • North Korea issues its own human rights report, declares it's a "superior system"

  • Pyongyang issued the report in response to U.N. Commission of Inquiry report

  • Timing of report's release could be linked to upcoming U.N. General Assembly

  • It makes no mention of its prison system or food shortages




(CNN) -- North Korea has "the world's most advantageous human rights system," the country declared in a lengthy report released on Saturday.


Its political system "bestows upon (its citizens) priceless political integrity." Its economic system "ensures people an independent and creative working life, as well as affluent and civilized living standard," according to a report by the DPRK Association for Human Rights Studies.


The 53,000-word report -- which repeats the phrase "human rights" over 700 times -- paints a rosy picture of the country.


North Korea issued a vehement defense of its human rights record, in response to a damning U.N. Commission of Inquiry report, released in February. That report criticized North Korea's authoritarian rule and said the state "terrorizes" its own citizens.


READ: In North Korea: 'We were forced to eat grass and soil'





Pyongyang and the appearance of tolerance




North Korea: UN report a political plot




Amnesty: Victims need to come forward




North Korea's human rights treatment

The U.N. Commission of Inquiry issued its conclusions after listening to testimonies from more than 100 victims, witnesses and experts regarding North Korea. It also examined satellite imagery and listed a stunning catalog of torture and widespread abuse "that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world."


North Korea had declined to participate in the inquiry.


READ: 'Abundant evidence' of crimes against humanity in North Korea


The human rights plot


North Korea says human rights is an excuse used by the United States to interfere in its affairs. The report repeatedly takes aim at the United States, saying Washington is plotting to "eventually overthrow the social system" and also accused the Americans of invading North Korea in 1950 and starting the Korean War.


The war began in 1950 after Communist forces attacked the south.


READ: Why the Korean War Still matters


The report denies the litany of the state's abuses saying these are "racket kicked up by the hostile forces" and derived from non-credible witnesses, who were paid to "cook up groundless stories."


"Pyongyang frames all criticism of their human rights situation as a politicized attack from hostile forces," said Sokeel Park, director of research and strategy at LINK (Liberty in North Korea), an international NGO that works with North Korean refugees.


North Korea's version of its human rights report was published ahead of Tuesday's U.N. General Assembly, where a discussion and vote on North Korea's human rights situation is expected.


"Pyongyang knows they are increasingly diplomatically isolated and they are trying to reverse that tide," Park told CNN. "They see the growing international consensus on the seriousness of their human rights violations as one facet of that diplomatic isolation, so it makes sense to try to counter that explicitly too."


This includes releasing their own "human rights report" to counter the U.N. Commission of Inquiry Report," he said.


What the report says









Warning: Graphic. In these chilling drawings released to the United Nations, former North Korean prisoner Kim Kwang-Il details torture methods he witnessed during his time in captivity. In this position, called "pigeon torture," Kim says he was beaten on the chest until he vomited blood. Warning: Graphic. In these chilling drawings released to the United Nations, former North Korean prisoner Kim Kwang-Il details torture methods he witnessed during his time in captivity. In this position, called "pigeon torture," Kim says he was beaten on the chest until he vomited blood.



Text: "Scale, airplane, motorcycle." According to UN reports, Kim says he had to stay in painful stress positions with arms extended until he collapsed out of exhaustion. Text: "Scale, airplane, motorcycle." According to UN reports, Kim says he had to stay in painful stress positions with arms extended until he collapsed out of exhaustion.



Text: "Detention center."Text: "Detention center."



Text: "Out of starvation and hunger, find snakes and rats and you eat them."Text: "Out of starvation and hunger, find snakes and rats and you eat them."



Text: "Pump torture. After sitting, you stand about a hundred times."Text: "Pump torture. After sitting, you stand about a hundred times."



Text: "The mice eat the eyes, nose, ears, and toes of the corpses."Text: "The mice eat the eyes, nose, ears, and toes of the corpses."



Text: "The corpses are taken to the crematorium."Text: "The corpses are taken to the crematorium."



Text: "Solitary confinement punishment. Capturing mice from inside the cell."Text: "Solitary confinement punishment. Capturing mice from inside the cell."




North Korean torture methods

North Korean torture methods

North Korean torture methods

North Korean torture methods

North Korean torture methods

North Korean torture methods

North Korean torture methods

North Korean torture methods



Revealed: Recollections of North Korean torture methodsRevealed: Recollections of North Korean torture methods






Why is Matthew Miller in N. Korean prison?

Divided into five chapters, North Korea says its report was derived from institutions, NGOs and human rights experts.


"The human rights mechanisms of the DPRK which have been formed and developed in the 70-year-long history is a superior system that thoroughly and practically guarantees the people's human rights in all fields of social life including politics, economy and culture," according to the report.


It made no mention of its prison system, executions or food shortages. Instead, the report trumpeted its policies of "universal compulsory education, free medical care and free provision of housings."


The North Korean report also boasted its "open trial and rights of defense" -- which ran contrary to the U.S. State Department's assertion that it is not given access or details on charges for U.S. defendants held in the country.


On Sunday, Matthew Miller, a U.S. citizen, was convicted of "hostile acts" and sentenced to six years of hard labor.



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