House will hold hearing on N. Korea human rights this morning

Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC)

Hearing

 North Korea: Ongoing Human Rights Violations in an Era of Change

Wednesday, September 19, 2012
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
340 Cannon House Office Building

Please join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a hearing on the status of human rights in North Korea.

Following the death of Kim Jong-Il, his son, Kim Jong-Un, has taken over as the leader of North Korea.  Despite the transition of power, a majority of North Korean citizens still live in poverty and many others remain trapped in horrific prison camps.  In fact, according to a January 2012 Los Angeles Timesarticle, “In North Korea, a new Kim may be in command but the same old human rights violations are still in play, including a renewed lethal crackdown on defectors, according to South Korean media reports.” Additionally, severe shortages of food and medical supplies, have led to outbreaks of famine and disease that the government is unable to combat alone.

This hearing will explore human rights conditions in the country including abuse in prison camps, the current status of the North Korean regime and potential responses by the U.S. and the international community.

The following witnesses will testify:

·         Suzanne Scholte, President, Defense Forum Foundation

·         An Hyuk, Producer of 48M, survivor of Yoduk political prison camp

·         Pack Kwang Il, Representative of the Youth and Students Forum for North Korean Democratization, former North Korean teacher

If you have any questions, please contact the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission at 202-225-3599 or tlhrc@mail.house.gov.

James P. McGovern                                        Frank R. Wolf

Member of Congress                                      Member of Congress

Co-Chair, TLHRC                                          Co-Chair, TLHRC