POLITICAL PRISON CAMPS IN NORTH KOREA

Early day motion 345, tabled 1 November 2001 by Andy King (Labour). Signed by 110 members.

That this House notes that North Korean regime continues to run political prison camps where prisoners are subjected to brutal and inhumane treatment, including torture and execution; notes also that Christians in the camps are particularly harshly treated due to their belief in God and their refusal to venerate the North Korean leaders; notes with grave concern accounts of post mistreatment of Christians, including the pouring of molten iron over believers who refused to renounce their faith; recognises that relations between North Korea and the outside world have begun to thaw; calls upon the North Korean Government to open up the camps, including those at Chongjin and Khechen, for unrestricted access by independent monitors; calls upon Her Majesty's Government to ensure that, as trading relations improve between the two countries, no products are imported that have been made by prisoners subject to slave labour in the camps; and urges Her Majesty's Government to continue to press for a significant improvement in human rights in North Korea.

Signatures by party: Labour 44, Conservative 29, Liberal Democrat 20, Labour/Co-operative 5, DUP 4, UUP 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.