Forced labour is widespread and institutionalized across North Korea, maintained through violence and recrimination, the UN human rights office says
In a report based on 183 interviews with victims and witnesses of forced labour who managed to escape DPRK and now live abroad, the UN human rights office OHCHR cited one person’s testimony that if a daily work quota was not met, workers would be beaten and have their food ration cut.
“These people are forced to work in intolerable conditions – often in dangerous sectors without pay, freedom of choice, the ability to leave, protection, medical care, time off, food, and shelter,” said OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell.
“They are placed under constant surveillance, regularly beaten, while women are exposed to continuing risks of sexual violence.”
