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Mass Executions and Atrocity Crimes
During 1957-1960, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) underwent massive purges that resulted in thousands of executions. This decision was made by the Standing Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and required security forces to evaluate the political background of every adult for counter-revolutionary tendencies.
Establishment of Songbun System
The purges led to the establishment of a system of socio-political categorization known as songbun, which justified the creation of the first political camps or kwanliso. These camps were used to detain and punish individuals deemed “class enemies” and their descendants up to three generations.
Atrocity Crimes
The wave of executions was based on subjective state-issued classifications of political intent and can be considered atrocity crimes. Suspects were often subjected to brutal treatment in interrogation centers, including:
- Torture
- Denial of food
- Forced labor
Political Prison Camps
Inmates of kwanliso are denied basic rights as citizens and are under the control of camp authorities. They face near-starvation conditions, lack medical care, and are regularly mistreated, tortured, sexually abused, and executed. Widespread malnutrition is a deliberate policy used as a means of control and punishment.
Conditions in Kwanliso
- Inmates face near-starvation conditions
- Lack access to medical care
- Regularly subjected to torture, sexual abuse, and execution
- Children can be imprisoned through collective responsibility or born inside the camps
- Women who become pregnant without authorization are subjected to forced abortion and other punishments
Estimates of Atrocity Crimes
The Commission of Inquiry estimated that hundreds of thousands of political prisoners have perished in kwanliso over five decades due to:
- Starvation
- Excessive forced labor
- Executions
- Torture
- Forced abortions
- Infanticide
There are still around 80,000 to 120,000 political prisoners in these camps.
Denial of Atrocity Crimes
The DPRK denies most accusations of human rights violations and atrocity crimes. The country’s leadership has publicly accused the Commission of Inquiry of slander and claimed that witness testimony was fabricated. Authorities also misguide citizens to absolve themselves from responsibility, blaming foreign powers for shortages in food and essential products.
Absence of Reconciliation
The legacy of the Korean War remains an unresolved issue between Koreas. The Armistice Agreement of 1954 collapsed after two months, and there has not been a comprehensive peace treaty signed to settle the conflict.