16 March 2026 09:16 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government says DPRK human rights not improved

Key points

DPRK human rights situation has not improved since 2014
Urges DPRK engagement, UN access, and accountability

TL;DR

UK Government says the DPRK’s human rights situation has not improved since the 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry, cites more pervasive surveillance, increased forced labour and wider application of the death penalty, and urges diplomatic engagement, unhindered UN human rights access, respect for non-refoulment, and accountability.

Original text

Madame Vice President, We thank the Special Rapporteur for her update. We are deeply concerned that the DPRK’s human rights situation has not improved since the 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry, as the High Commissioner has previously highlighted. There is more pervasive surveillance, increased forced labour use and wider application of the death penalty, including for sharing foreign media content. The UK believes that diplomacy is the best way to improve the lives of North Koreans and to secure the Korean Peninsula’s peace and stability. We continue to urge the DPRK to engage constructively with the international community, and to allow UN human rights’ mechanisms unhindered access to the country. Finally, the UK calls on other Member States to uphold their responsibilities to promote and protect human rights, including on the principle of non-refoulment. Special Rapporteur, What more can Member States do to ensure accountability for the people of the DPRK?

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