North Korea: Ongoing Human Rights Violations in an Era of Change
Hearing Notice
Please join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a hearing on the status of human rights in North Korea.
Following the death of Kim Jong-Il, his son, Kim Jong-Un, has taken over as the leader of North Korea. Despite the transition of power, a majority of North Korean citizens still live in poverty and many others remain trapped in horrific prison camps. In fact, according to a January 2012 Los Angeles Times article, "In North Korea, a new Kim may be in command but the same old human rights violations are still in play, including a renewed lethal crackdown on defectors, according to South Korean media reports." Additionally, severe shortages of food and medical supplies, have led to outbreaks of famine and disease that the government is unable to combat alone.
This hearing will explore human rights conditions in the country including abuse in prison camps, the current status of the North Korean regime and potential responses by the U.S. and the international community.
If you have any questions, please contact the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission at 202-225-3599 or tlhrc@mail.house.gov.
Hosted by:
James P. McGovern Member of Congress Co-Chair, TLHRC | Frank R. Wolf Member of Congress Co-Chair, TLHRC |
Witnesses
- Suzanne Scholte, President, Defense Forum Foundation
Written testimony - An Hyuk, Producer of 48M, survivor of Yoduk political prison camp
Written testimony - Pack Kwang Il, Representative of the Youth and Students Forum for North Korean Democratization, former North Korean teacher
Written testimony