On 13 March 2026, the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) delivered a statement at the 31st meeting of the 61st session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Peopleโs Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The statement, prepared with the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), underscored the critical gap between the DPRKโs participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its failure to implement structural reforms. Specifically, NKDB highlighted the lack of criminalization for domestic violence and the horrific state-sanctioned violence, including torture and forced abortions, endured by forcibly repatriated women. By citing NKDBโs research on the systematic nature of these abuses, the statement urged the international community to hold the DPRK accountable to its obligations under CEDAW. Read the full statement below.
๐ฅWatch the video HERE.
31st Meeting - 61st Session of Human Rights Council
ITEM 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Mister President,
NKDB welcomes the Special Rapporteurโs report on the DPRKโs implementation of its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) commitments.
During the fourth UPR, the DPRK supported recommendations to implement existing laws on womenโs rights, yet did not support those calling for structural reforms to address ongoing violations. These include criminalizing all forms of gender-based violence and addressing abuses against forcibly repatriated women.
While domestic violence is prohibited under the Law on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Women, it is not explicitly criminalized in the Criminal Codeโlimiting investigation, prosecution, and protection for victims. Our research from the previous UPR cycle found that 75% of respondents estimated that at least half of women in the DPRK experience domestic violence.
We are also deeply concerned about state-sanctioned violence against women forcibly returned to the DPRK, who face detention, torture, invasive body searches, beatings, and forced abortions.
The DPRKโs continued refusal to acknowledge these abuses reflects a lack of political will to uphold its obligations, including the prohibition of torture and the principle of non-refoulement.
We therefore urge Member States to remind the DPRK that noting recommendations does not absolve it of its obligations, as it remains bound under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
Thank you.
On 13 March 2026, the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) delivered a statement at the 31st meeting of the 61st session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Peopleโs Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The statement, prepared with the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), underscored the critical gap between the DPRKโs participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its failure to implement structural reforms. Specifically, NKDB highlighted the lack of criminalization for domestic violence and the horrific state-sanctioned violence, including torture and forced abortions, endured by forcibly repatriated women. By citing NKDBโs research on the systematic nature of these abuses, the statement urged the international community to hold the DPRK accountable to its obligations under CEDAW. Read the full statement below.
๐ฅWatch the video HERE.
31st Meeting - 61st Session of Human Rights Council
ITEM 4: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Mister President,
NKDB welcomes the Special Rapporteurโs report on the DPRKโs implementation of its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) commitments.
During the fourth UPR, the DPRK supported recommendations to implement existing laws on womenโs rights, yet did not support those calling for structural reforms to address ongoing violations. These include criminalizing all forms of gender-based violence and addressing abuses against forcibly repatriated women.
While domestic violence is prohibited under the Law on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Women, it is not explicitly criminalized in the Criminal Codeโlimiting investigation, prosecution, and protection for victims. Our research from the previous UPR cycle found that 75% of respondents estimated that at least half of women in the DPRK experience domestic violence.
We are also deeply concerned about state-sanctioned violence against women forcibly returned to the DPRK, who face detention, torture, invasive body searches, beatings, and forced abortions.
The DPRKโs continued refusal to acknowledge these abuses reflects a lack of political will to uphold its obligations, including the prohibition of torture and the principle of non-refoulement.
We therefore urge Member States to remind the DPRK that noting recommendations does not absolve it of its obligations, as it remains bound under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
Thank you.