April 2010 – Washington, D.C. and North Korea
Submitted by Joseph Hepworth
Noting that “North Korea continues to be one of the world’s most repressive regimes,” the 2010 Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (“2010 Report”) designated the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) as a “Country of Particular Concern.” After describing the lack of religious freedom in North Korea and the harsh penalties imposed on those who clandestinely worship, the Report makes five recommendations: (1) include human rights in Six-Party talks; (2) fully implement the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2008; (3) protect and aid North Korean refuges; (4) pursue multilateral diplomacy; and (5) take congressional action to advance religious freedom in North Korea.