Topic > Violation of Freedom of Speech in North Korea

Did you know that 95% of North Korean citizens do not have access to Wi-Fi? You are probably wondering why these people are being “tortured” like this? Well, the regime does not allow them access to the Internet to keep the country's negative information within its borders and away from its people. North Koreans are denied both civil and human rights as they have no freedom of speech or press. Today I will inform you about this violated human right and reveal the harsh punishments inflicted on anyone who criticizes the regime or speaks badly of the country. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Freedom of speech is one of the most crucial human rights as it plays a vital role in the healthy development process of any society. We are positively affected by this right as it helps us communicate with the government and each other and express our thoughts and feelings. Nonviolent protests are also a way to communicate to the government that they want to make a change on an issue that may be of concern to us. By protesting our voices can be heard and taken into account by the government. Likewise, if we are able to effectively communicate our ideas, views, opinions, concerns and needs, this means that we are included in meaningful participation in society and have the opportunity to improve our circumstances. Finally, having the right to free speech, we are made aware of information that may threaten our privacy. An example would be when US citizens discovered that their own government was spying on them through the Internet. A protest and an official letter sent to the government and signed by Apple CEO Tim Crooks and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg informed citizens of this crazy incident. You might be thinking “shouldn't there be limitations on free speech?”. Well NO, there should be no limitations. All we need to do is understand that debate and criticism are a way of expression and that we should tolerate and respect the opinions of others. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to hold opinions without interference”. Therefore, being able to express ourselves without any limitations will not only make us better, but will also improve the society we live in. Korea is known as one of the most censored countries and for this reason thousands of North Koreans are punished by being sent to horrible prison camps. As I said before, the North Korean government censors ALL media and does not tolerate free speech. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that "Everyone has the right to say what he thinks and to give and receive information" and despite this the regime not only does not recognize this fundamental right to citizens but also punishes them because of this. Criticism of the regime or leadership, if reported, is enough to make you and your family disappear from society and end up in a political prison camp. There are 5 prison camps in North Korea housing approximately 100,000 people. Some of them are as large as cities and have existed five times longer than Nazi concentration camps. According to locals once you are accused of a crime (political, economic, criminal) and sent to prison camps your entire family is considered guilty and the next two generations born in the prison camp have to stay there for life! In December 2011 after the death of Kim Jong-Il, all citizens were expected to mourn. Those who did not show sadness were punished with heavy fines and some were sent to prison,?