Fourth Session of the UN Human Rights Council

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Statement delivered by Velia De Pirro,
U.S. Mission Political Counselor

Geneva
March 23, 2007

The United States thanks the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for his commitment and determination in carrying out his mandate. 
    
We note that the Special Rapporteur has received no cooperation from the DPRK.  We remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation there and continue to urge the DPRK to allow the Special Rapporteur access to the country. 

The DPRK regime controls many aspects of its citizens’ lives, denying freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and association.  An estimated 150,000 to 200,000 persons are believed to be held in detention camps in remote areas, many for political reasons. 

We hope that the recent progress in the Six-Party Talks toward implementation of the September 2005 Joint Statement will ultimately lead to better lives for the North Korean people.