Truth behind DPRK rights report

The final report of the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, issued on Feb 17, says mass crimes against humanity are being committed in the country. The UN-mandated COI report on the DPRK has evoked reactions from many countries.

The reactions of the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea are somewhat similar. The US State Department issued a statement, saying Washington "welcomes and supports" the COI report because it reflects the international community's view that the human rights situation in the DPRK is among the worst in the world. Japan said it would work actively with its partners to address human rights issues in the DPRK. And although the ROK's reaction was low key, it supported the report.

The report, however, is not without problems. Its first problem is credibility. Investigations were conducted and evidence was gathered outside the DPRK. The COI prepared the report on the basis of witnesses' testimonies beyond the borders of the DPRK. In the absence of on-site investigations, how could the COI come to its conclusion? True, the report cites many "living examples", but more hard evidence is needed to determine whether they are widespread in the country.