On the 15th (local time), the U.S. State Department reiterated its serious concerns about violations of religious freedom in North Korea through its annual report.
In the “2022 International Religious Freedom Report” released by the U.S. Department of State on the same day, “North Korea almost completely denies the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and even after the 2014 Commission of Inquiry (COI) report on human rights in North Korea was released, the situation remains fundamental. has not changed,” he said.
The report also said, “According to multiple sources, ‘alternative belief systems’ in North Korea are not tolerated by the authorities.”
In addition, “the North Korean government is known to execute, torture, and physically abuse individuals for religious activities,” he said. ” he pointed out.
“North Korean officials mainly targeted Christians and shamanists,” the US State Department said. “NGOs and defectors testified that the North Korean government often arrested or punished families of Christians.”
“There are a handful of officially registered religious institutions, including churches, in North Korea,” the State Department explained. “However, these institutions operate under strict control by the authorities and function as exhibits for foreigners.”
“The North Korean authorities are encouraging all citizens to report anyone who participates in unauthorized religious activities or possesses religious materials,” he said.
“Some North Korean defectors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have reported clandestine distribution of unauthorized religious material in North Korea,” the State Department said. “While the extent of the underground religious network is difficult to quantify, there are reports of private Christian activity.” revealed
The report also included an estimate by Open Doors USA (ODUSA) that “North Korea imprisoned between 50,000 and 70,000 Christians.”
The report also added that the number of North Korean defectors who entered South Korea last year was 67, a significant decrease from 1047 in 2019.
The contents of this year’s report on North Korea are similar to those of last year’s report.
Under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the U.S. Department of State has published an annual report on international religions.
From 2001 to last year, North Korea has been designated as a country of special concern for religious freedom for 21 consecutive years.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.