A/HRC/WGAD/2012/47
20.
The prohibition of arbitrary detention in articles 9 of the UDHR and of the ICCPR
extends to all forms of detention, with the right to an effective remedy in article 8 of the
UDHR and due process rights in article 10 of the UDHR and article 14 of the ICCPR. The
Working Group holds that the detention of Ms. Kang Mi-ho, Mr. Kim Jeong-nam and Mr.
Shin Kyung-seop is arbitrary and in violation of articles 9 of the UDHR and the ICCPR as
well as of article 10 of the UDHR and article 14 of the ICCPR. Their detention thus falls
within categories I and III of the categories applicable to the cases submitted to the
Working Group.
21.
As the detention of Ms. Kang Mi-ho, Mr. Kim Jeong-nam and Mr. Shin Kyung-seop
constitutes a breach of international human rights obligations, the principal remedy is their
immediate release. They also have an enforceable right to compensation under article 9,
paragraph 5, of the ICCPR, which is an expression of general principles. The reasons that
may be given for the detention of Ms. Kang Mi-ho, Mr. Kim Jeong-nam and Mr. Shin
Kyung-seop cannot be used against a claim for compensation.
22.
The Working Group reminds the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of its
duties to comply with international human rights obligations, not to detain arbitrarily, to
release persons who are arbitrarily detained, and to provide compensation to them. The
Working Group has recalled above that under certain circumstances, widespread or
systematic imprisonment or other severe deprivation of liberty in violation of fundamental
rules of international law, may constitute crimes against humanity. The duties to comply
with international human rights that are peremptory and erga omnes norms such as the
prohibition of arbitrary detention lie not only with the Government but with all officials,
including judges, police and security officers, and prison officers with relevant
responsibilities. No person should contribute to human rights violations.
Disposition
23.
The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention renders the following opinion:
The detention of Ms. Kang Mi-ho, Mr. Kim Jeong-nam and Mr. Shin Kyung-seop is
arbitrary and in violation of articles 9 of the UDHR and of the ICCPR and article 10
of the UDHR and article 14 of the ICCPR. Their detention thus falls within
categories I and III of the categories applicable to the cases submitted to the
Working Group.
24.
The Working Group requests the Government to take the necessary steps to remedy
the situation, which are the immediate release of, and an enforceable right to compensation
in accordance with article 9, paragraph 5, of the ICCPR for, Ms. Kang Mi-ho, Mr. Kim
Jeong-nam and Mr. Shin Kyung-seop.
25.
In accordance with article 33 (a) of its revised methods of work, the Working Group
considers it appropriate to refer the allegations of torture to the Special Rapporteur on
torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for appropriate
action.
[Adopted on 15 November 2012]
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