Final Paper

North Korean Human Rights:
The Historical Causes, Present Situation, and Proposed Solutions
Amanda Biernacki
Roger Williams University

NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS 1
Abstract
Human rights are a serious problem in North Korea. Generally, human rights are
characterized as the intrinsic rights every human is born with. North Korea violates many of the
human rights listed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the rights to life,
liberty, and security.
This paper examines the causes, current situation, and proposed solutions for North
Koreas human rights abuses. The purpose is to highlight the most effective solutions to the
countrys human rights problems. The paper is based on academic articles and government
publications produced by various experts. Additionally, primary research was conducted through
a survey; however, the results are to be considered statistically invalid due to the small sample
size and distribution methods.
It is concluded that the United Nations has a responsibility to intervene in North Korea,
along with the capability to do so. The United Nations should intervene in order to protect
international safety and security. Punishment would be the most effective way to confront the
North Korean government, as opposed to compromise, which has failed in the past.
The writer suggests that the United Nations should continue to try to bring the North
Korean government to trial through the International Criminal Courts, regardless of Russias
attempts to prevent punishment of the country. Members of the United Nations should put
pressure on Russia to support intervention in North Korea. Additionally, the public should be
informed on North Koreas abuses and the steps being taken to address these issues.
North Korean Human Rights: The Historical Causes, Present Situation, and Proposed Solutions
Blaine Hardens 2015 novel, Escape from Camp 14, was inspired by the life of Shin
Dong-hyuk, the only known prisoner to have escaped from one of North Koreas prison camps.
In the following excerpt, Harden offers a description of 23-year-old Shin Dong-hyuk only
moments after his escape:
Stunted by malnutrition, he is short and slight five feet six inches and about one
hundred and twenty pounds. His arms are bowed from childhood labour. His lower back
and buttocks are scarred with burns from the torturers fire. The skin over his pubis bears
a puncture scar from the hook used to hold him in place over the fire. His ankles are
scarred by shackles, from which he was hung upside down in solitary confinement. His
right middle finger is cut off at the first knuckle, a guards punishment for dropping a
sewing machine in a camp garment factory. His shins, from ankle to knee on both legs,
are mutilated and scarred by burns from the electrified barbed-wire fence that failed to
keep him inside Camp 14. (p. 2)
Although North Korea is one of the most closed societies in the world, North Koreans
who have escaped from the country or defected from the North Korean government tell stories of
famine, abuse, and the Kim Regimes complete disregard for the human rights of its citizens. The
United Nations confirmed may of these horrific claims in its 2013 investigation of human rights
in North Korea. The human rights abuses in North Korea have developed as the result of the
political and economic structure established by the Soviet Union shortly after World War II.
Control of Korea was taken from Japan after it surrendered, and the United Nations ordered the
country to be spilt along the 38th parallel. The United Nations gave the Soviet Union control of
the north, and ordered that they establish a democratic government there. However, the Soviet
Union established a communist style government instead. When North Korea began to
experience economic hardships as a result of the centrally controlled economy, the Kim Regime
established a military first policy in order to maintain its power over the people. The military first
policy used military force to control the citizens, as well as puts the needs of the government and
military before the rights of the people. This policy has led to the majority of the human rights
abuses occurring within in the country today. Experts and world leaders have proposed many
solutions to the human rights situation in the country, though the abuses of the country have yet
to be stopped.
As the third anniversary of the United Nations Commission of Human Rights in North
Korea approaches, it is important for the world to reevaluate the human rights situation in North
Korea. The unaddressed human rights situation in North Korea has led to many threats against
international peace and security. Despite opposition, the United Nations should punish North
Korean leaders for the country's human rights abuses, because it is the responsibility of the
United Nations to do so. The paper proves this thesis, containing a Literature Reviews, Analysis,
Summary of Field Research, Conclusions, and Recommendations.
Literature Review
After WWII, control of Korea was taken from Japan by the United Nations. The United
Nations ordered that Korea be temporarily split along the 38th parallel into what is today referred
to as North and South Korea. Russia was given control of the North, and the United States was
given control of the South. The United States held elections in South Korea, and Syngman Rhee
was elected. In the North, Russia established a communist style government, appointing Kim Il-
Sung as the regions new leader. Soon after Russia and the United States withdrew from Korea,
the Korean War began when North Korea invaded South Korea. The Korean War essentially
rendered the temporary split between the two countries permanent. This is essentially how North
Korea, or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, formed. Since then, North Korean human
rights under the Kim Regimes rule has been of increasing concern among world leaders and
scholars. The United Nations has felt a responsibility to intervene due to its role in the
establishment of the North Korean governmental system and has taken many steps in an attempt
to punish North Korean leaders for its treatment of the North Korean people. As the third
anniversary of the United Nations Commission of Human Rights in North Korea approaches,
the majority of world leaders and scholars agree that human rights is a major issue within the
country of North Korea; however, experts disagree as to what steps the world needs to take
regarding the human rights situation in the country.
Methods & Organization
The Literature Review examines scholarly, peer-reviewed research obtained from
academic databases, along with articles from reputable and well-respected news sources.
Additionally, the review will include government publications from the United Nations and the
United States of America. The historical causes of the human rights issues of the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea, as defined by various scholars and experts, will be observed. The
review will discuss the current situation of human rights in North Korea, including expert
definitions of human rights and accounts of North Koreas violations. Additionally, the solutions
proposed by several scholars will be examined. The Literature Review will compare and contrast
scholarly, governmental, and commonly respected sources in order to provide a comprehensive
view of the human rights abuses in North Korea so that these abuses do not continue after the
United Nations intervenes. By understanding the scholarly ideas and research presented from
academic and governmental sources, readers should understand that as the United Nations
intervenes in North Korea, there is the possibility that the human rights abuses will continue if
the United Nations does not consider the causes of North Koreas human rights issues.
Additionally, readers should realize the importance of North Koreas history in dealing with the
human rights abuses taking place within the country today and understand the importance of
obtaining justice for the North Korean people.
Causes
United States and Soviet Russia. Experts often cite various historical causes of the
human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. These causes often include
the actions of Russia and the United States after World War II, the ideologies of the Kim regime,
and economic situations for the majority of the human rights abuses taking place in the country.
According to Patchs 1946 article, the United States and Russia were at odds when setting up the
governmental systems of North and South Korea after the end of World War II. Patch (1946)
states that the United States was strongly against a communist style government in North Korea;
however, the United States had to concede on many issues to avoid confrontation with Russia.
Additionally, Patch insinuates that these concessions will have a large impact on the development
of North Korea (Patch, 1946). Subsequently, many experts today hold the belief that the
economic structure of North Korea, which developed as a result of the communist government
set up by Soviet Russia, has been a large contributor to the human rights situation in the country.
Economic structure. In addition to the political structure set up by Soviet Russia, many
experts believe that the economic structure of North Korea has greatly contributed to the human
rights issues that have developed within the country. Researcher William J. Moon (2009) states
that the mass starvation of the North Korean people that took place during the 1990s, which
claimed the lives of approximately 3.5 million North Koreans and attracted the worlds attention
to the human rights abuses of North Korea, was caused by the countrys political and economic
structure set up by Soviet Russia. Moon (2009) states that the fall of Soviet Russia negatively
affected the economies of many communist countries around the world. Moon (20009) asserts
that the North Korean economy was also impacted during this time, which resulting in massive
food shortages throughout the country. According to Moon (2009), Kim Jung-Ils military-first
policy resulted when people began to steal and attempted to move due to the lack of food in the
country. Moon (2009) states that the North Korean leaders felt a threat to their authority, and
they protected their control by increasing military presence and authority (Moon, 2009). On
account of the military prioritization in North Korea, the ideologies of the regime were impacted,
and experts believe their ideologies are another contributing factor to the human rights abuses of
North Korea.
Regime ideologies. Besides the political and economical structures in North Korea,
experts agree that the ideologies of the Kim Regime have had a major impact on the human
rights situation in North Korea. Expert Yong Soo Park (2014) discusses the modern day
governmental system of North Korea and the impacts the structure and ideologies of the Kim
regime has had on the country. Park (2014) states that Kim Jong-Un appears to want to maintain
the military first governmental structure and policies established by his father, Kim Jong-Il. Park
argues that ideologies of the Kim regime contribute to the human rights abuses of the country
because they consider the wellbeing of the military and government before the safety of its
people (Park, 2014). Experts believe that the regime ideologies, along with the political and
economical structures of North Korea, have contributed to the current human rights situation
within the country. Because of these causes, scholars agree that human rights violations have
developed within the country.

Current Situation
The definition of human rights. Although scholars agree that there are human rights
violations occurring within North Korea, they do not necessarily have a set or agreed upon
definition for human rights with which they analyze the country. Scholars and experts who have
examined North Korea generally agree that the countrys government subjects its people to a
number of human rights abuses; however, they are examining the country using different
understanding of the term human rights. The United Nations (1948), along with its officials,
define human rights using their publication, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In
the Preamble of the declaration, the United Nations states that every human being is born with
equal rights and freedoms which must be respected by both governments and individuals. The
document contains thirty articles with which the United Nations establishes an international
definition for human rights. Some of the major rights listed include the rights to life, freedom,
and safety (United Nations, 2008). Though the United Nations has defined human rights, other
experts, such as the Economist Intelligence Unit, have developed other definitions with which
they analyze North Korea.
In contrast to the United Nations, which take a legal approach to defining human rights,
the Economist Intelligence Unit (2015) takes a more scientific approach to defining human
rights. The Economist Intelligence Unit (2015) believes that human rights can be broken down
and indexed, with each country receiving a numeric value correlating with the rights citizens
have in the country. In their 2014 democracy index, the Economist Intelligence Unit ranks
freedom in over 150 countries according to five different categories: electoral process and
pluralism, functioning of government, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties
(The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2015). The Economist Intelligence Unit uses a scientific
method to define human rights. However, other experts have asserted much more basic
definitions of human rights.
For example, Hwang Jang Yop (2002), former International Secretary of the Korean
Workers Party and highest ranking North Korean defector to date, has define human rights in his
own way. Yop (2002) states that he left the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 1997 due
to the governments treatment of the North Korean people. After Yop (2002) defected, his family
and friends left in North Korea were sent to prison camps by the North Korean government. Yop
(2002) wrote about the human rights situation of North Korea. Yop defines human rights as an
individuals ability to live as if they own the society in which they exist and to access the basic
resources they need to survive (Yop, 2002). Nevertheless, even with very different ideas of what
human rights are, scholars and experts agree the North Korea government has violated the human
rights of its people.
North Koreas violations. Although scholars have several different definitions of human
rights, they have all come to the same conclusion when evaluating the human rights situation in
North Korea. Scholars and experts agree that the North Korean government has abused and
violated the human rights of its citizens. In its 2014 commission of human rights in North Korea,
the United Nations recounts numerous violations of The Universal Declaration of Human
Rights found during the human rights investigation of the Democratic Peoples Republic of
Korea. The United Nations discusses restrictions on freedom of thought, expression, and religion,
along with evidence of improper imprisonment, torture, and executions. All of these findings
directly go against articles found in the The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The
United Nations believes that the human rights of the North Korean citizens have been violated by
the countrys government (United Nations, 2014). In the same way, other experts agree that the
North Korean governments treatment of its people is unacceptable and violates the human rights
of the people living within its boards.
For example, the Economist Intelligence Unit has presented evidence with which the
group states that North Korea is severely lacking in human rights. According to the Economist
Intelligence Unit, North Korea scored a 0.00 out of 10.00 for Civil Liberties in the country (The
Economist Intelligence Unit, 2015). For comparison, they gave South Korea a 7.88. When
factoring in all five categories (electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government,
political participation, political culture, and civil liberties), North Korea scored a total of 1.08 out
of 10.00. The Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked the Democratic Peoples Republic of
Korea the least democratic country in the world every year since their first democracy index was
released in 2006. Additionally, the group has declared that the country of North Korea is
completely devoid of human rights for its citizens (The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2015). As
has been shown, outside experts evaluating the human rights situation in North Korea agree that
there is a serious human rights problem in the country. In the same way, many insiders who have
defected from North Korea hold similar beliefs in regard to the condition of human rights in the
country.
In addition to outside sentiments, criticism of the human rights situation in North Korea
has come from inside sources who have experienced life within the country first hand. North
Korean defectors, including Hwang Jang Yop, have noted that the North Korean government
does not provide its citizens with the basic necessities they need to live. Yop (2002) states that the
North Korean government has been starving its people. Yop (2002) asserts that the government
controls the land and food supply, and does not allow the people of North Korea to grow the food
that they need to survive. Yop (2002) argues that the North Korean government does not consider
or value the lives of its citizens, when it is the duty of a government to do so (Yop, 2002). Now
that scholars agree that human rights are an issue in North Korea, experts have been proposing
many different solutions to the problem.
Proposed Solutions
Reasons for intervention. Although there is a general consensus among experts
regarding the current human rights situation in North Korea, there are many disagreements
surrounding what needs to be done in response to these human rights abuses, with some experts
even arguing that North Korea should be left alone. Experts have noted various reasons why the
world needs to intervene in North Korea. United Nations official Michael Kirby (2014), who was
appointed by the United Nations to lead the 2014 human rights investigation in North Korea,
states that it is important for the world to intervene in North Korea because unaddressed human
rights violations in the world pose a threat to international peace and security (Kirby, 2014).
Kirby (2014) believes that if left unchecked, violations of human rights will spread and affect a
growing number of people. For that reason, the United Nations has been increasingly interested
in finding solutions to the human rights violations that the North Korean government has
inflicted on its people.
In order to get a better understanding of the situation in North Korea, the United Nations
issued a formal human rights investigation on the country in 2014. From this the information
gathered during this investigation, the United Nations was able to formulate possible solutions
for the state of human rights in North Korea. The United Nations suggests in its commission to
North Korea that the governmental and political systems of North Korea be completely reformed,
with the help of countries that have historically been connected to North Korea (United Nations,
2014). In an interview with the National Public Radio, United States Ambassador to the United
Nations, Samantha Power, discussed that China is now working with the United States to impose
sanctions on North Korea (as cited in Bloch, 2016). Power notes that China and Russia, North
Koreas allies, have tried to prevent punishment of North Korea in the past, but states that China
is now working with the United Nations because the country is worried about North Koreas
recent nuclear tests (as cited in Bloch, 2016). Some experts, including Morse Tan (2015), believe
than international humanitarian law may by a way to protect international security in regards to
North Koreas recent nuclear activity. Tan states that bringing North Korea to the international
courts for crimes against humanity could lead to intervention in the countrys nuclear activities as
well (Tan, 2015). Although many solutions have been proposed in order to solve the human
rights issues in North Korea, experts often dispute how the world should approach engagement
with the country.
How to engage. Because of the volatile nature of the North Korean government, there are
many disagreements regarding how the world should engage the nation. Expert Andrew Yeo
(2014) discusses two approaches the United States has taken with its foreign policy in North
Korea. Yeo (2014) discusses how some politicians prefer a humanitarian approach, favoring
engagement and compromise, while others argue for a human rights approach, looking for
punishment and regime change. Yeo argues that a combination of these approaches can be
effective (Yeo, 2014). Victor Cha and Marie DuMond believe that legislation can make a
difference in the future of North Korea (Cha & DuMond, 2015). While some experts argue over
how the world should engage with North Korea, other experts claim that the best solution would
to disengage from the country completely.

Natural collapse. Although scholars agree that human rights are an issue in North Korea,
and many experts believe something should be done, some scholars insist that the world should
not intervene in the country of North Korea. Experts such as Seemoon Chang (2006) believe that
legislation will do more harm than good to the people of North Korea. Chang (2006) argues that
change in North Korea cannot be legislated. He cites the 2004 North Korean Human Rights Act
as an example, stating that this type of legislation does not cause change and limits the
willingness of the North Korean government to engage with the world regarding the countrys
human rights situation (Chang, 2006). Chang (2006) argues that world leaders should not attempt
to legislate a transformation in North Korea because this would impede any potential progress
being made in the country. Likewise, many other scholars agree that intervention in North Korea
may not be beneficial.
Similar to Seemoon Chang, other experts and scholars agree that intervention in North
Korea may not be advantageous, with some stating that the problems in the country will take care
of themselves if left alone. Experts such as Will Sung Yang (2008) believe that the best solution
for North Korea would be to leave the country alone and let the problems sort themselves out
naturally. Yang (2008) states that if left alone, the country will meet the same fate as Soviet
Russia. Yang believes that North Korea is headed for an economic collapse, which will lead to
the demise of the countrys current political system (Yang, 2008). Yang (2008) argues that a
change in North Koreas human rights situation is inevitable, but the world will have to wait for
that change. Experts Oknam Yi and David Sungiae Hang state that if the North Korean
government does collapse, the perpetrators of the human rights violations could be punished
domestically in North Korea (Yi & Hong, 2013). In this case, Yi and Hang assert that the North
Korean leaders would be judged under North Korean law, as opposed to in the international
courts (Yi & Hong, 2013). Overall, there are many disagreements regarding what steps need to
be taken in response to the human rights crisis in North Korea.
Conclusion
As can be seen in the Literary Review, the majority of scholars agree that human rights
are a problem in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The abuses of the Kim Regime and
the North Korean government include the unjust starvation, torture, and control of its people.
Experts cite many historical causes for these abuses including the actions of Russia and the
United States, the ideologies of the Kim regime, and economic situations in North Korea.
Although experts agree that human rights are an issue in North Korea, scholars argue about what
should be done in response. Some experts state that the world needs to intervene using legislation
and military force if necessary. Others believe that the world needs to work with the North
Korean government, rather than against them, in order to evoke change. Still, many scholars
believe that the best thing to do is leave the country alone. As readers will see, most scholars
believe that it is important to fully understand the situation in North Korea if any change is
expected to occur.
Analysis
The human rights situation of North Korea is an issue that has gained global awareness
since the mass starvation that took place during the 1990s. As the third anniversary of the
United Nations Commission of Human Rights in North Korea approaches, world leaders and
scholars are working on ways to address the countrys human rights abuses. The Literature
Review presented scholarly articles and government publications addressing the causes, current
situation, and proposed solutions to the human rights problems in North Korea. The information
presented in these articles supports the thesis that despite opposition, the United Nations should
punish North Korean leaders for the country's human rights abuses, because it is the
responsibility of the United Nations to do so. If the United Nations were to intervene, the
organization would have to address the economic, ethical, political and legal issues surrounding
the problem.
Examination of the Research
The historical causes. As is evident in the Literature Review, scholars believe that a
combination of the political structure, economic history, and regime ideologies of North Korea
have contributed to the development of human rights abuses within the country. It is the
responsibility of the United Nations to intervene in North Korea because these causes can be
traced back to the United Nations actions after World War II. After Japan surrendered in World
War II, they had to give up control of Korea (Patch, 1946). The United Nations ordered that the
country be split along the 38th parallel, and Russia be given control of the North and the United
States control of the South (Patch, 1946). Though ordered by the United Nations to hold free and
democratic elections in the country, Russia established a communist style government in the
North and appointed Kim Il-Sung as the leader (Patch, 1946). In order to avoid confrontation, the
United States and the rest of the United Nations compromised with Russia, allowing them to
temporarily establish a communist style government in hopes that the country would be later
reunited (Patch, 1946). However, the Korean War rendered this temporary split permanent (Park,
2014). Consequently, the communist style political and economic structure which the United
Nations permitted Soviet Russia to set up led to severe economic hardships in the country.
In fact, the military first ideology of North Korea developed as a result of economic
hardships suffered by the country in the 1990s (Park, 2014). The food supply and means of
production in North Korea were completely controlled by the regime (Yop, 2002). The country
suffered massive food shortages as a result of the political and economic structure established by
the Soviet Union, resulting in the death of 3.5 million people (Moon, 2009). During this time, the
regime gave the countrys leaders primary access to the limited food supply (Moon, 2009).
Additionally, military presence and control was increased when people began to steal and
attempted to move due to the lack of food in the country (Moon, 2009). Since this time, the Kim
Regime has continued to implement a military first policy, where the country considers the
wellbeing of the military and government before the safety and welfare of the people (Park,
2014). Had the United Nations enforced their order to establish a democratic government in
North Korea, many of the subsequent events that caused the development of North Koreas
human rights abuses would have been avoided. Therefore, the United Nations has a responsibility
to intervene in North Korea in regards to the human rights situation because of the role they
played in allowing these abuses to develop.
The current situation. As was shown in the Literature Review, the majority of world
leaders and scholars agree that human rights are a major issue within the country of North Korea.
The United Nations should be concerned about North Koreas human rights violations because
unaddressed human rights violations can threaten international peace and security. Currently,
North Korea is ranked the least democratic country in the world, with its citizens having few
rights and freedoms. In 2015, the Economist Intelligence Unit examined 167 countries and
ranked them from most to least democratic. Not only was North Korea ranked least democratic in
the Economist Intelligence Units latest release in 2015, but the country has held this title for
each issue since the first Democracy Index published in 2006 (The Economist Intelligence Unit,
2015). As previously stated in the Literature Review, one category the Economist Intelligence
unit used to determine the democracy rating of various countries was civil liberties (The
Economist Intelligence Unit, 2015). North Korea received 0.00 points for this section (The
Economist Intelligence Unit, 2015). The North Korean government has restricted numerous
intrinsic rights of the North Korean people, many of which go against the orders of the United
Nations (Kirby, 2014). There is no question that North Korea does not afford its citizens basic
human rights. Even more, the the countrys treatment of its people directly goes against standards
the United Nations has set.
Specifically, the United Nations should be concerned about North Korea because the
countrys actions are in violation of the 2008 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
According to the reports of North Korean defectors, as well as the United Nations itself, the
country has violated the majority of articles listed in the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (Kirby, 2014). According to North Korean defectors, the country does not provide its
citizens with the basic necessities they need to survive, including food (Yop, 2002). This directly
violates the 25th article of the United Nations declaration which states that all people should have
access to necessary food, clothing, and housing (United Nations, 2008). Additionally, the Untied
Nations has found evidence of improper imprisonment of North Korean citizens by the Kim
regime (United Nations, 2014). This violates Articles 10 and 11 of the United Nations human
rights declaration, which grant all people the rights to a fair trial and to be assumed innocent until
proved guilty (United Nations, 2008). While investigating in North Korea, the United Nations
also discovered that the country tortures and executes citizens, who have not been given a fair
trial, as a form of punishment (United Nations, 2014). Article 5 of the United Nations human
rights declaration states that torture is a violation of an individuals human rights (United
Nations, 2008). These are only of few of the recurrent human rights violations that the United
Nations is aware of in North Korea. The United Nations has a responsibility to hold the North
Korean government responsible for violating the rights given to all individuals in its document.
Being that, there have been many solutions proposed to solve these issues.
The proposed solutions. As visible in the Literature Review, experts disagree as to what
should be done to correct North Koreas human rights abuses. The United Nations has a
responsibility to punish North Korea as a member of the United Nations for its previously noted
violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Not only would intervention be right
and moral, but it would also protect international peace and security. North Korea has recently
become an increasing security threat to many countries, and these threats to international peace
are likely to grow if action is not taken. The human rights abuses of North Korea can be traced
back to the United Nations not enforcing its orders to Russia to develop a democratic style
government in North Korea. Presently, North Korea violates the United Nations human rights
declaration, and the United Nations has a responsibility to enforce it. However, there are many
disagreements on how to approach North Korea.
Though scholars agree action needs to be taken in North Korea, they argue whether
compromise or punishment would be a better approach when interacting with the country in
regards to their human rights. Often times compromise is assumed to be the best way to address
other countries issues. However, research shows that this is not true in the case of North Korea, and
previous attempts at compromising with the country have failed (Cha & DuMond, 2015). For
example, many experts believe that legislation is a practical and not aggressive way to deal with
the human rights issues of North Korea (Cha & DuMond, 2015). However, attempts to legislate
human rights in the country, such as 2004 North Korean Human Rights Act, have produced no
results because of the North Korean governments unwillingness to change (Chang, 2006).
Because of this, punishment would be the most effective solution in dealing with the countrys
human rights violations. One way to punish the North Korean government would be through the
international court system; however, Russia has continuously blocked attempts to bring North
Korean leaders to trial through the International Criminal Court (Tan, 2015). China, North
Koreas ally, is no longer in opposition to punishing North Korea, and has recently proven its
willingness to work with other countries, such as the United States, to place sanctions on North
Korea (Bloch, 2016). Chinese officials believe that North Korea is increasingly becoming a
security threat, which is why they no longer wish to support the country (Bloch, 2016). Bringing
North Korea to the international courts for crimes against humanity could lead to intervention in
the countrys nuclear activities as well (Tan, 2015). Nevertheless, not all scholars believe that the
United Nations should intervene in the country.
That is, some experts believe that there is no need for intervention in North Korea
because their economy will soon collapse, which will lead to the demise of the countrys current
political system, similar to what happened in Soviet Russia (Yang, 2008). Many of these experts
believe that the countrys leaders would then be judged under North Korean law, as opposed to in
the international courts (Yi & Hong, 2013). However, this is not likely. During the economic
hardships and famine experienced by North Korea in the 1990s, the North Korean government
simply ignored the needs of the people, and implemented a military first policy (Moon, 2009).
This policy ensures that the government and military will be taken care of first, including in
times of economic hardship (Moon, 2009). An economic crisis would not lead to a political
downfall of the current North Korean regime, because all of the burden of the crisis would fall on
the people. Thus, the United Nations has reported that in order for change to occur, a complete
reform of the countrys political and economic system is necessary (United Nations, 2014).
Synthesis of the Research
The research presented in this analysis is important because it shows that something needs
to be done in regards to North Koreas human rights situation, and that the United Nations is the
proper organization to do this. It is in the best interest of the entire world that something be done in
North Korea to stop these abuses, because they are starting to affect international safety and peace. It
is the responsibility of the United Nations and its members to seek justice for the North Korean
people. The United Nations played a significant role in causing the human rights abuses to develop
in North Korea. Additionally, the United Nations has cause to take action because the abuses in
North Korea directly violate the intrinsic human rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights. Punishment of North Korea should be pursued by the United Nations because they
have both the reason and ability to do so.
Summary Field Research
In addition to the research from the Literature Review, a survey regarding human rights
in North Korea was distributed to Roger Williams students. Of the 50 students who were given
the survey, 23 identified themselves as male, and 27 identified themselves as female. The group
surveyed included 6 freshmen, 8 sophomores, 21 juniors, and 15 seniors. The surveys were
handed out as randomly as possible to students on the Roger Williams University campus. The
survey asked various opinion-based questions regarding the human rights situation in North
Korea, including the causes, current situation, and possible solutions.
Figure 1 presents the responses the students gave when asked who are responsible for
the development of the human rights issues in North Korea.

Figure 1
Figure 1 shows that 66% of the students surveyed agreed that the Kim Regime is
responsible for the development of human rights in North Korea. Though the majority of students
agreed they were responsible, it was a little shocking that more students did not agreed that the
current regime, under which these abuses developed, were responsible. 36% of students believed
that Russia played a role in the development, while only 20% believed that the United Nations
had a role. This difference was a little shocking because based on their roles in the development,
it was expected that these percentages would be closer together. Additionally, 34% of students
believed China played a role in the development, when China did not really play a role at all.
This shows that many students are not aware of what caused these developments. Only one of the
50 students surveyed said that the United States was responsible, which was an expected
response, even though the argument could be made that they are responsible because they could
have put pressure on Russia to develop a more democratic style of government.
Figure 2 represents the responses students gave when asked about who they believed
should intervene in North Korea.
Figure 2
82% of the students surveyed believed that the United Nations should intervene in North
Korea. However, students were less supportive of Russia, China, South Korea, and the United
States intervening. This was shocking because all four of these countries are current members of
the United Nations, and Russia, China, and the United States are all original members who have
been involved in the United Nations since its formation in 1945. It is likely that many of the
surveyed students would be supportive of these countries intervening in North Korea, but only
with the support of the United Nations.

Figure 3, as depicted below, represents the responses students gave when asked to
choose whether punishment or compromise would be a more effective approach when dealing
with the North Korean government.
Figure 3
The students surveyed favored compromise over punishment when dealing with the
North Korean government. However, the results were not extremely slanted toward one approach
or the other. This mirrors the sentiments of many scholars who disagree whether punishment or
compromise is the best approach (Yeo, 2014). Experts are fairly equally split on whether to use
punishment or compromise in foreign policy; although, compromise is slightly favored in theory
(Yeo, 2014). Though punishment seems to be the trend in current policies proposed to deal with
the human rights situation in North Korea today, policies from the recent past were more
compromised-based (Yeo, 2014). It was only when compromising did not work that these
policies became more punishment-based (Yeo, 2014).

Figure 4 shows the responses students gave when asked what specific approaches should
be taken to address the human rights violations in North Korea.
Figure 4
As can be seen in Figure 4, the highest support was given to governmental reform of
North Korea. This is interesting because governmental reform was the number one recommended
solution presented in the North Korean commission of human rights almost three years ago.
There was also high support for legislating human rights. This is not shocking because legislation
is one of the least extreme solutions presented. However, there have been many legislative
attempts at human rights in North Korea, all of which have failed. Approximately half of the
surveyed students support going through the international courts to punish North Korea. Only
10% of the students surveyed supported using government sanctions, though the United States
and China are currently working together to impose sanctions on North Korea. This shows that
the students surveyed do not necessarily agree with the steps that the United Nations and its
members have been taking to address the human rights violations in North Korea.
However, it should be kept in mind that the results of the survey are statistically invalid.
The sample size of fifty students is not large enough to accurately speculate on the opinions of
Roger Williams University. Additionally, the survey was given to whoever was available at the
time, with no emphasis placed on obtaining an unbiased sample group. For example, 72% of the
students who took the survey were upperclassmen and only 28% were lower classmen. This
could have skewed the results, so no genuine conclusions can be based on these results.
Suggestions for further research
Consequently, it will be intriguing to watch how the United Nations continues to attempt
to address the human rights situation in North Korea. If there was more time, it would be
interesting to follow the decisions made by the United Nations moving forward. If Russia
decides to work with the United Nations in North Korea, that would completely change the way
the human rights situation in North Korea is being approached by the international community. If
there was more time, greater research could be done on the threat North Korea has become on
international security. It would be meaningful to research if the unaddressed human rights
violations of a country can lead to the disruption of international peace.
Additionally, it would be worth researching other countries who lack human rights to
see if there is a correlation between human rights violations and eventual threats to international
peace and security. When analyzing the survey results, it was difficult to determine how much
the responses were affected by lack of knowledge, and how much was simply based on opinion.
It would have been interesting to have had the students take the survey twice. The first time with
only their current knowledge of the situation, and the second time after learning a little bit about
the history and current human rights situation of North Korea. This would have helped determine
how much the students responses were affected by their presence or lack of knowledge on the
topic.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the United Nations has a responsibility to intervene in North Korea with
regards to the human rights situation. The information provided in the Literature Review outlined
the causes, current situation, and the proposed solutions to the human rights abuses in North
Korea. Scholars believe that the main causes of the human rights issues in North Korea are the
political system established by the Soviet Union after World War II, the historic economic
hardships faced by the country, and the ideologies of the Kim Regime. Though experts often
define human rights in different ways, there is a general consensus that the North Korean
government does not afford its citizens basic human rights. Scholars often disagree on how the
world should intervene in North Korea, with some stating that nothing should be done at all.
Additionally, this information was evaluated in the analysis.
Furthermore, the analysis established that the information provided in the Literature
Review proves that the United Nations is the correct body to address the human rights abuses of
North Korea. Historically, the United Nations played a role in the development of these human
rights abuses. Additionally, the North Korean governments treatment of its people is in direct
violations of the United Nations orders. The United Nations needs to intervene in North Korea
to protect international security. Punishment would be the most effective way to do this, though
Russia has continuously blocked efforts to bring North Korea to the ICC. The survey showed
that though the students believed that the United Nations should intervene in North Korea, they
were unaware of the UNs role in the development of the countrys human rights abuses.
Additionally, the students held similar opinions regarding the possible solutions as were held by
the experts. The students favored compromise, but felt that governmental reform was the best
solution to stop North Koreas human rights violations. From the information presented in the
Literature Review and the Analysis, the audience should understand that the United Nations and
its members have a responsibility to intervene in North Korea. The human rights situation in the
country is a problem, not only for North Korea, but for the international community as well.
Recommendations
Finally, the United Nations should continue to try to bring North Korea on trial through
the International Criminal Courts, as they are doing now, regardless of Russias attempts to block
the process. Members of the United Nations should put pressure on Russia to support
intervention in North Korea. It is becoming increasingly important that a change occur in North
Korea because the country is now affecting the safety of the international community. If Russia
does not comply, then the members of the United Nations should try to punish Russia.
Additionally, this is an issue that the people want the Untied Nations to address, though they are
not educated of the causes or what is being done to solve the problem. Efforts should be made to
inform the public on the history of North Koreas abuses and the current attempts being taken to
address these issues.

References
Bloch, H. (2016). U.S. proposes tough new sanctions on North Korea with China's
support. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2016/02/26/468297948/u-
s-proposes-tough-new-sanctions-on-north-korea-with-chinas-support
Cha, V. D., & DuMond, M. (2015). North Korean human rights: The road ahead. Lanham, MD:
Rowman & Littlefield. Retrieved from http://csis.org/files/publication/150528_Cha_
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materials/hwangjang3.html
Appendices
Focused Research Questions31
Working Bibliography...32
Annotated Bibliography.36
Survey Questions and Results....44
Additional Graphs and Charts47

Focused Research Questions
1. What are some practices of the North Korean government that violate "The Universal
Declaration of Human Rights?

2. What steps has the UN taken to address North Koreas human rights abuses since its 2014
commission of inquiry report?

3. What will happen if the leaders of North Korea are put on trial for crimes against humanity
through the ICC?

4. Did North Koreas communist style government established by the Soviet Union after WWII
contribute to the country's human rights issues?

5. What are some difficulties the UN has faced while trying to deal with the human rights issues
in North Korea?
6. Should Russia, North Koreas strongest ally, stop supporting North Korea?
7. What obligations does a government have to its people? Does the North Korean government
fulfill these obligations?

8. Does the United Nations have an obligation to help the people of North Korea? Does the
United States have an obligation to help the people of North Korea should the UN decide not
to act?
9. What effects do North Koreas human rights abuses have on its people?
10. What role has the economic system of North played in the countrys human rights abuses?
Working Bibliography
Ahmad, K. (2001). North Korean government admits that health of children is very poor. The
Lancet, 357(9269), 1684. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.helin.uri.edu/
docview/199028315?accountid=25133
Cathcart, A., & Denney, S. (2013). North Korea's cultural diplomacy in the early Kim Jong-Un
era. North Korean Review, 9(2), 29-42. doi: http://0-dx.doi.org.helin.uri.edu/
10.3172/NKR.9.2.29
Cha, V. D., & DuMond, M. (2015). North Korean human rights: the road ahead. Lanham, MD:
Retrieved February 5, 2016, http://0-search.proquest.com.helin.uri.edu/docview/
1681850007?accountid=25133
Chubb, D. (2014, January 15). North Korea human rights and the international community:
responding to the UN Commission of Inquiry. Asia-Pacific Journal On Human Rights &
The Law, 15(1/2), 51-72. doi:10.1163/15718158-15010204
Geliu, P. (2008). White paper on human rights in North Korea. North Korean Review, 4(1), 138-
140. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.helin.uri.edu/docview/
1682162727?accountid=25133
Ginsburg, T. (2006). Law and justice in Korea: South and north. Korean Studies, 30,
126-128,131. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.helin.uri.edu/docview/
220297382?accountid=25133
Goedde, P. (2010). Legal mobilization for human rights protection in North Korea: Furthering
discourse or discord? Human Rights Quarterly, 32(3), 530-574. Retrieved from http://0-
Goo, Y., & Kim, S. (2009). A study on the military alliance of South Korea-United States with
the existence of threat from North Korea: A public good demand approach. Empirical
Economics, 36(3), 597-610. doi: http://0-dx.doi.org.helin.uri.edu/10.1007/s00181-008-
0213-2
Harden, B. (2015). Escape from camp 14. Place of publication not identified: Pan Books.
Henn, P. (2015, June 25). UN vows to bring North Korea dictator Kim Jong-Un 'to justice' over
human rights record. Express (Online) Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1691162269?accountid=25133
Hong, C. (2013). Reframing North Korean human rights. Critical Asian Studies, 45(4), 511-532.
doi:10.1080/14672715.2013.851154
Kim, Y. (2013). Reciprocity in South Korean security policy vis--vis North Korea and the
United States. Asian Perspective, 37(2), 183-208. Retrieved from http://0-
Peoples Republic of Korea. Melbourne Journal of International Law, 15(2), 1-27.
Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.helin.uri.edu/docview/1704354756?
accountid=25133
Koh, B. C. (2001). North Korea through the looking glass. The Journal of Asian Studies, 60(1),
240-241. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.helin.uri.edu/docview/
230388592?accountid=25133
Lancet, T. (2014). North Korea: evidence of intolerable human rights violations. The Lancet,
383(9919), 756. doi: http://0-dx.doi.org.helin.uri.edu/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60389-5
Liu, C., Liu, A., Guan, H., & Jiang, H. (2014). North Korea: A challenge for global solidarity.
The Lancet, 383(9926), 1382. doi: http://0-dx.doi.org.helin.uri.edu/10.1016/S0140-
6736(14)60678-4
North Korean freedom act of 2003, S. 1903, 108th Cong. (2003). Retrieved from
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-108s1903is/pdf/BILLS-108s1903is.pdf
Ramstad, E. (2009, May 22). Gulags, nukes and a water slide: Citizen spies lift North Korea's
veil. Wall Street Journal Retrieved from http://0-
Shim, E. (2016, January 25). South Korea Calls for Passage of North Korea Human Rights Bill.
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e4c9f3a2ab5a65fecb8915c7fe2407dd&prodId=GIC&userGroupName=rwu_main&tabID
=&docId=A441203588&type=retrieve&contentSet=IAC-Documents&version=1.0
The Economist Intelligence Unit. (2015, January 20). Democracy index 2014: Democracy and its
discontents. Retrieved from http://www.eiu.com/public/thankyou_download.aspx?
activity=download
Truman, H. S. (1950, September 1). Public papers of Harry S. Truman 232 Radio and Television
Report to the American People on the Situation in Korea. Retrieved from
http://www.worldbookonline.com/advanced/document?id=dc305476&st=northkorea
United Nations. (2008, April 4). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from
Yang, W. S. (2008). The soviet union's economic and political implosion: The fate of North
Yi, O., & Hong, D. S. (2013, July 11). Start thinking now about transitional justice in a Post-
Yop, H. J. (2002, September 04). The problems of human rights in North Korea. Retrieved from
Annotated Bibliography
Bloch, H. (2016, February 26). U.S. proposes tough new sanctions on North Korea with China's
support. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2016/02/26/468297948/u-
s-proposes-tough-new-sanctions-on-north-korea-with-chinas-support
In the academic article, U.S. Proposes Tough New Sanctions On North Korea with
China's Support, Hannah Bloch claims that Chinas cooperation with the United States
to punish North Korea may lead to increased international peace in relation to North
Korea. The author develops the article by detailing the proposed sanctions and Chinas
recent cooperation after years of opposition, using an interview with Samantha Power,
the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, to support her argument. Blochs purpose is
to discuss the current status of the United States proposed sanctions in order to inform
the audience of the significance of Chinas recent cooperation and the changes that may
result. The intended audience is Americans who are fairly educated and interested in
world events.
Cha, V. D., & DuMond, M. (2015). North Korean human rights: The road ahead. Lanham, MD:
In the conference report, North Korea Human Rights: The Road Ahead, Victor Cha and
Marie DuMond assert that the future of North Korea is hopeful and the United Nations
Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea will lead to progress. The
authors support their assertion by detailing various testimonies of CSIS experts on North
Koreas current situation. Cha and DuMonds purpose was to inform the audience on
North Koreas human rights issues in order to gain the audiences support for intervention
in the country. The intended audience was authority figures, including multiple UN
members and world experts, who have the influence to legislate and enforce change for
this country.
Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.helin.uri.edu/docview/
1681850007?accountid=25133
In the document, The North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004, Semoon Chang argues
that attempts to help the North Korean people may actually end up hurting them. The
author supports his argument by discussing three main issues, which include the effects
of a regime change, the role of South Korea, and the outcomes of a confrontational
approach. Changs purpose is to draw attention to the possible problems that could arise
while intervening in North Korea in order to convince the audience that steps need to be
taken for these issues to be avoided. The intended audience includes those who are
concerned about human rights violations in North Korea.
Peoples Republic of Korea: Ten Lessons. Melbourne Journal of International Law,
15(2), 1-27. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.helin.uri.edu/docview
/1704354756?accountid=25133
In the article, UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights Violations in the
Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, Michael Kirby, Chair of the United Nations
Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights Violations in the Democratic People's Republic
of Korea, asserts that there are many lessons that can be learned from the COI. The
author supports his claim by outlining significance of the COI, along with the difficulties
he and the others experienced while putting together the report. Kirbys purpose is to
reiterate the findings of the COI in order to show the audience what steps need to be
taken to achieve justice for the North Korean people. The authors intended audience is
people who want to know more about the situation in North Korea, but are not going to
read the entire COI.
In the academic article, The Origins of the Great North Korean Famine: Its Dynamics
and Normative Implications, William Moon argues that economic and ethical factors
lead to major food shortages in North Korea. The author supports his claim by first
explaining the role played by the political structure and corruption of the country and
then describing the economic situation that led to food shortages. Moons purpose is to
explain the political structure and economy of North Korea in order to help the audience
understand how such a tragedy could take place. The intended audience includes those
who want to learn more about the politics, economics, and human rights abuses of North
Korea.
In the article, Policies and Ideologies of the Kim Jong-un Regime in North Korea:
Theoretical Implications, Yong Soo Park argues that North Koreas Juche ideology and
the military-first policy has had a profound effect on the countrys political, economic,
and social systems. The author supports his claim by defining the ideologies held by the
North Korean regime and explaining how these ideologies impact the country as a whole.
The authors purpose is to develop a better understanding of the countrys political
system in order to to help the audience picture what the future of North Korea might be.
The authors intended audience consists of those interested in the history and politics of
North Korea.
In his article, Compromise, Buel Patch asserts that the United States must compromise
with Russia on American democracy and international relations relating to Korea in order
to avoid deadlock. The author supports his claim by outlining the decisions being made
regarding the development of North and South Korea in the years following World War
II. Patchs purpose is to document the decisions being made by the United States
government in order to inform the audience on the situation in the country. The authors
intended audience for the report is researchers.
In the article, International Humanitarian Law and North Korea: Another Angle for
Accountability, Morse Tan asserts that international humanitarian law may be another
avenue by which the leaders of North Korea can be held responsible for their actions. The
author supports his claim by discussing North Koreas human rights abuses, international
humanitarian law, and how IHL may be applied in the case of North Korea. Tans purpose
is to draw attention to the IHL violations of North Korea in order to convince the
audience to hold the North Korean leaders responsible for their actions. The intended
audience of this article is those in the legal field.
The Economist Intelligence Unit. (2015, January 20). Democracy index 2014: Democracy and its
Discontents. Retrieved from http://www.eiu.com/public/thankyou_download.aspx?
activity=download
The index, Democracy index 2014: Democracy and its Discontents, put together by the
Economist Intelligence Unit, establishes that countries can be ranked according to how
democratic they are. The group supports this claim by analyzing and ranking more than
150 countries according to six categories: electoral process and pluralism, functioning or
government, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties. The groups
purpose of the index is to track the levels of democracy in societies throughout the world
in order to allow the audience come to conclusions about where countries are politically.
The intended audience for this index is economists.
United Nations. (2008, April 4). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from
In the publication, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations
proclaims that there are specific and undeniable rights common to everyone worldwide.
The United Nations supports this claim with a preamble as well as thirty articles
describing these rights. The purpose of the declaration was to layout these rights in order
to give the audience a basis through which justice and freedom could be pursued
throughout the world. The intended audience was leaders and diplomats throughout the
world.
United Nations. (2014, February 7). Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea. Retrieved February 28, 2016, from http://www.ohchr.org/
EN/HRBodies/HRC/CoIDPRK/Pages/CommissionInquiryonHRinDPRK.aspx
In the publication, Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea, the Human Rights Council of the UN asserts that there is evidence of
human rights violations in North Korea and makes recommendations regarding what the
UN should do. The council supports this claim by presenting the methods through which
it collected its information while in North Korea along with the evidence found through
its research. The purpose was to display the findings of the investigation in North Korea
in order to assist the audience in making a decision regarding the human rights situation
in the country. The intended audience for the report was the UN.
Yang, W. S. (2008). The Soviet Union's economic and political implosion: The fate of North
In the article, The Soviet Union's Economic and Political Implosion:The Fate of North
Korea, Will Sung Yang claims that North Korea is at risk of suffering an economic and
political failure. The author supports his argument by comparing the structure of North
Korea to that of Soviet Russia. The authors purpose is to show that the collapse of the
Kim regime is inevitable in order to convince his audience that South Korea will
eventually overtake North Korea, with or without intervention from the rest of the world.
The intended audience for this article includes those interested in learning more about the
situation in North Korea.
In the article, Alleviating Misery: The Politics of North Korean Human Rights in U.S.
Foreign Policy, Andrew Yeo asserts that the United States has approached the issue of
North Koreas human rights abuses from a more practical than ideological standpoint. He
supports his argument by examining the United States policies regarding North Korea
and the human rights abuses of the country. The purpose of the article is to review the
policies of the United States regarding North Koreas human rights abuses in order to get
the audience to question whether the United States properly responding to the situation.
The intended audience is Americans who are interested in the human rights situation of
North Korea.
Yi, O., & Hong, D. S. (2013, July 11). Start thinking now about transitional justice in a Post-
In the article, Start thinking now about transitional justice in a Post-Transition North
Korea, David Sungjae Hong and Oknam Yi claim that it is not too early to start thinking
about transitional justice for the country of North Korea. Sungjae and Yi support their
claim by discussing different steps that could be taken to punish the leaders of North
Korea as well as options for reestablishing the North Korean government. The purpose of
the article is to start developing plans for North Koreas future in order to ensure that the
audience takes steps to make certain the abuses do not continue after the UN intervenes.
The audience for this article is various world leaders involved in seeking justice for the
North Korean people.
Yop, H. J. (2002, September 04). The problems of human rights in North Korea. Retrieved from
In the article, The Problems of Human Rights in North Korea, former International
Secretary of the Korean Workers Party Hwang Jang Yop claims that human rights are
nonexistent in North Korea. Yop supports his claim by and develops his point using his
personal experiences, discussing human rights abuses in North Korean economics,
politics, and culture. His purpose is the expose the abuses of the North Korean
government in order to convince the audience to try to get freedom for the North Korea
people. The intended audience includes world leaders and activists who could help raise
awareness of the human rights situation in North Korea.

Survey Questions and Results
QUESTION RESULTS
Year
Freshman 12%
Sophomore 16%
Junior 42%
Senior 30%
Gender
Male 46%
Female 54%
Which of the following are responsible for the development of human rights abuses in
North Korea?
Russia 36%
China 34%
The United Nations 20%
United States 2%
The Kim Regime 66%
Where 1 is the least important and 4 is the most important, rank the following causes of
human rights abuses in North Korea. (MOST)
Political factors 20%
Economic factors 14%
Regime ideologies 42%
Military policies 22%
Which of the following has contributed to the human rights abuses in North Korea?
Communist Style Government 80%
Government control of economic activities 50%
Economic hardships 30%
Famine in North Korea 34%
Military first policy 66%
It is the duty of a government to consider and value the lives of its citizens.
Strongly Agree 90%
Agree 10%
Neutral 0%
Disagree 0%
Strongly Disagree 0%
The North Korean government abuses its people.
Strongly Agree 60%
Agree 22%
Neutral 18%
Disagree 0%
The world should intervene in North Korea.
Strongly Agree 26%
Agree 50%
Neutral 24%
Disagree 0%
Unaddressed human rights violations threaten international security.
Strongly Agree 24%
Agree 40%
Neutral 30%
Disagree 6%
Reasons to intervene in North Korea include:
International security 64%
Global peace 50%
It is the right thing to do 66%
Which of the following should intervene in North Korea, with regards to human rights?
The United Nations 82%
Russia 32%
China 38%
South Korea 20%
The United States 36%

Which approaches should be used to stop North Koreas human rights violations?
Legislating human rights 66%
Governmental Reform 70%
International courts 50%
Using government sanctions 10%
Which would be a more effective approach in dealing with the North Korean government?
Compromise 58%
Punishment 42%
Who should be punished for the human rights abuses in North Korea?
Kim Jong-Un 56%
The North Korean government 86%
The North Korean military 40%
North Koreas allies 2%
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North Korean Human Rights:

The Historical Causes, Present Situation, and Proposed Solutions

Roger Williams University

liberty, and security.

size and distribution methods.

moments after his escape:

keep him inside Camp 14. (p. 2)

Summary of Field Research, Conclusions, and Recommendations.

regarding the human rights situation in the country.

Methods & Organization

The Literature Review examines scholarly, peer-reviewed research obtained from

scholarly, governmental, and commonly respected sources in order to provide a comprehensive

obtaining justice for the North Korean people.

developed within the country.

they analyze North Korea.

definitions of human rights.

rights of its people.

of the people living within its boards.

many different solutions to the problem.

Reasons for intervention. Although there is a general consensus among experts

inflicted on its people.

with the country.

to disengage from the country completely.

may not be beneficial.

be taken in response to the human rights crisis in North Korea.

Examination of the Research

played in allowing these abuses to develop.

the United Nations has set.

disagreements on how to approach North Korea.

United Nations should intervene in the country.

Synthesis of the Research

have both the reason and ability to do so.

Summary Field Research

Korea, including the causes, current situation, and possible solutions.

the development of the human rights issues in North Korea.

have put pressure on Russia to develop a more democratic style of government.

should intervene in North Korea.

with the support of the United Nations.

with the North Korean government.

punishment or compromise in foreign policy; although, compromise is slightly favored in theory

policies became more punishment-based (Yeo, 2014).

be taken to address the human rights violations in North Korea.

Suggestions for further research

international security. It would be meaningful to research if the unaddressed human rights

violations of a country can lead to the disruption of international peace.

Additionally, this information was evaluated in the analysis.

address these issues.

support. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2016/02/26/468297948/u-

Rowman & Littlefield. Retrieved from http://csis.org/files/publication/150528_Cha_

Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.helin.uri.edu/docview/

Kirby, M. (2014). UN commission of inquiry on human rights violations in the Democratic

Peoples Republic of Korea: Ten Lessons. Melbourne Journal of International Law,

15(2), 1-27. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.helin.uri.edu/docview

implications. North Korean Review, 5(1), 105-122. Retrieved from http://0-

CQ Press. Retrieved from http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre1946061200

Discontents. Retrieved from http://www.eiu.com/public/thankyou_download.aspx?

United Nations. (2014). Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic

People's Republic of Korea. Retrieved February 28, 2016, from http://www.ohchr.org/

Korea. North Korean Review, 4(1), 121-133. doi: http://0-

policy. North Korean Review, 10(2), 71-87. doi: http://0-

Transition North Korea. Retrieved from http://csis.org/publication/pacnet-51-start-

Focused Research Questions31

Survey Questions and Results....44