A/HRC/13/13 36. Nicaragua highlighted DPRK’s legal and institutional framework which guarantees fundamental human rights to its citizens. It encouraged DPRK to continue strengthening the system of promotion and protection of human rights, in observance of the principles enshrined in the Charter and international human rights instruments. 37. The United Kingdom noted with concern the range of grave human rights problems raised in the stakeholders report. It inquired about the right to a fair trial and the prohibition of torture and about the ways to address the shortage of medicines. 38. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya mentioned that the Constitution guaranteed the respect of human rights and the necessity to take measures to that end and that the national report referred to the objective of achieving equality and dignity for all. 39. Mexico acknowledged progress achieved on health, education and gender equality in employment, despite the many challenges stemming from the deterioration of the economy, natural disasters and food scarcity. Mexico enquired about measures adopted to follow up on alleged of enforced disappearances and abductions. 40. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted the measures taken particularly in the field of economic, social and cultural rights and encouraged DPRK to intensify its efforts to achieve the MDGs. It recommended that the international community help DPRK to secure adequate food for its people. It noted with interest the special attention paid to improving the situation of women and children. 41. The delegation of DPRK noted that the Constitution provides in article 67 that citizens have the freedom of assembly, demonstration and association, and the State shall provide conditions for the free activities of democratic political parties and social organizations. Assemblies and demonstrations are permitted regardless of their forms and purposes unless they are contrary to the democratic principle and public order. 42. Freedom of opinion and expression are also constitutional rights. No civil servant or law enforcement official can restrict or suppress these rights. Any slight manifestation of restriction or persecution of these rights may invite public criticism or denunciation, and in serious cases, lead to legal punishment. 43. The Constitution provides in article 68 that citizens have freedom of religious belief, and these rights are granted by the State by approving the setting up of religious buildings and holding of religious ceremonies. The State treats all religions equally and does not interfere in the setting up and operating of religious buildings, nor in the organization of religious bodies and their activities. Citizens are free to believe in religion of their choice. 44. On alleged classifying people into categories and practicing discrimination, the Constitution provides in article 65 that citizens have equal rights in all fields of State and public life. Such practices are inconceivable. No one is privileged or particularly disadvantaged in their access to material and cultural conditions. 45. On the issue of “political prisoners’ camps”, the delegation noted that freedoms of speech, press, assembly and demonstration and freedom of religious belief are the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Exercising the rights to such freedom can never be criminalized. Thoughts and political views are not something that can be controlled by the law. The term “political prisoner” does not exist in DPRK’s vocabulary, and therefore the so-called political prisoners’ camps do not exist. There are reform institutions, which are called prisons in other countries. Those who are sentenced to the penalty of reform through labour for committing anti-State crimes or other crimes prescribed in the Criminal Law serve their terms at the reform institutions. 46. Regarding the relations between Songun politics and enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, DPRK is pursuing the Songun politics to safeguard the supreme 7