{"id":8548,"date":"2023-12-11T00:45:50","date_gmt":"2023-12-10T23:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/?p=8548"},"modified":"2023-12-11T00:45:50","modified_gmt":"2023-12-10T23:45:50","slug":"how-much-freedom-does-north-korea-have","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/how-much-freedom-does-north-korea-have\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Freedom Does North Korea Have"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Background Information on North Korea’s Freedom<\/h2>\n

North Korea is an isolated country that is known for its lack of freedom and human rights violations. It is ruled by the Kim family, which has held power for more than 70 years. The last official census, which took place in 2008, showed that the population was estimated at 24.45 million people. North Korea has a centrally planned economy, meaning the government controls production, investment, and prices. The country is a closed and heavily regulated state, where the government has control over almost every aspect of people’s lives. This includes freedom of movement, access to information, and freedom of expression.<\/p>\n

Restrictions on North Korea’s Freedom<\/h2>\n

North Koreans are subject to strict laws, which are intended to ensure that citizens comply with the government’s wishes. These laws include harsh punishments, such as imprisonment and hard labor, for any perceived wrong-doings. The government also monitors citizens’ behavior and their use of the internet and other activities, such as the media, to further restrict the citizens’ freedom.
\nFor example, North Koreans have limited access to the internet, and the government censors information that is available, if it does not comply with their political views. Citizens can be arrested and even face the death penalty for accessing information from outside the country.
\nMoreover, North Korean citizens must have a special permit to travel, and the government can reject any request for travel for any reason. Although people are legally allowed to practice their faith in North Korea, the government monitors and cracks down on any attempts to practice religion outside of state-sanctioned institutions.<\/p>\n

Human Rights Violations<\/h2>\n

The lack of freedom in North Korea has led to widespread human rights violations. In addition to the restrictions on movement, speech, and access to information, North Korea also has one of the worst records of human rights abuses in the world. The United Nations has documented numerous violations, including torture, arbitrary detention, forced labor, and other forms of repression.
\nMoreover, North Korea has a secretive prison camp system known as the “kwanliso”, which is believed to have been in existence since 1972. It is estimated that up to 120,000 people are detained in these camps, where torture, hard labor, malnutrition, and other forms of abuse are common. <\/p>\n

Impact of International Pressures<\/h2>\n

International pressure has had some success in convincing the North Korean government to make small improvements in human rights and freedom. However, the overall situation remains largely unchanged. In fact, a recent report from the United Nations have raised concerns that the human rights situation in North Korea has “steadily deteriorated” since the early 2000s.
\nFor example, the North Korean government has refused to cooperate with United Nations human rights investigators and continues to restrict the media and access to information. In addition, the government often targets activists and their families with threats, harassment, and even imprisonment in an effort to deter citizens from exercising their rights.<\/p>\n

Analysis of North Korea’s Freedom<\/h2>\n