A/HRC/13/13
interests of the State and secure firm guarantee for the safeguarding of the life and wellbeing of its people. Songun politics also makes great contributions to the economic
development and the improving of people’s living.
47.
On specific measures the Government is taking to secure sufficient food for the
population, the t DPRK has limited arable land, with 80 per cent of its land made up of
mountainous areas. Moreover, the consecutive natural disasters during the past several
years stood in the way of providing sufficient food to our people. The Government gave top
priority to the solution of food problem, took a series of practical measures and put a lot of
efforts into their implementation. The food aid provided by different countries and
international organizations over the years greatly encouraged people in their efforts for the
solution of food shortage. DPRK will, in the near future, meet the domestic demands for
food on its own.
48.
On the access to the sites of assistance by international aid agencies, the delegate
noted that the principle of “no access, no aid” is a commonly recognized universal principle
in cooperation activities of the international organizations including specialized agencies of
the United Nations. In accordance with this principle, the Government has provided all
necessary arrangements including on-site visits for the aid agencies operating in the country
and will do so, in the future, too.
49.
On cooperation with Special Rapporteur and other international human rights
bodies, the delegation noted that the human rights situation of DPRK is selectively tabled
and discussed every year at the Human Rights Council and General Assembly, resulting in
the adoption of the unjust “resolution” thereon. The Special Rapporteur on DPRK
mandated by the “resolution” also continues to present reports that decry the DPRK system
and policies based on distorted information. For these reasons, DPRK totally rejects the
“resolution” and does not accept the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. The DPRK will, in
the future, too, reject the confrontational “resolution” and politicization of human rights and
will strive to make genuine dialogue and cooperation a reality. It will also faithfully
implement its obligations under the international human rights instruments, and thus do
everything to ensure that its people enjoy full range of human rights and fundamental
freedoms under any circumstances.
50.
On accession to the international human rights instruments, the delegate noted that
the greatest obstacle here is the selectivity and double standard applied continuously to the
country on the United Nations human rights arena. However, it does not mean that DPRK is
opposed to the purposes and requirements of the international human rights instruments.
Although DPRK is not yet a party to several human rights instruments including the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention against Torture,
their requirements are, in fact, incorporated in the national laws and implemented. Once the
obstacles are removed and appropriate conditions and circumstances provided, DPRK will
voluntarily accede to the conventions and protocols, not upon any request.
51.
Viet Nam acknowledged efforts for the protection of the rights of women, children,
persons with disability and the elderly, and the guarantee of health and education. Vietnam
expressed readiness to share its experience with DPRK related to the cooperation with
international community to solve humanitarian issues and development of agriculture and
the guarantee of food security.
52.
China appreciated that the Constitution and laws provide for respect for human
rights. It noted that the protection and promotion of human rights are priority tasks of
various State organs. DPRK has good educational and health-care systems and strategies
are in place for the attainment of the MDGs. China called on the international community
to provide humanitarian development assistance and support efforts of the Government to
develop economy and improve peoples’ life.
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