3)
Studies on PPC
Exclusive studies on PPC are extremely small in number and limited studies
have been carried out by a small number of researchers. The studies include
review of the political implication and character of such camps, review of the
role of PPC in the North Korean systems oppressing residents and
comparison of PPC with the concentration camps of USSR of the past.
The study by Huh Man-ho and Ogawa Haruhisa has explained the
political implication of PPC through its analysis of the political background of
the process of setting up PPC in relation to political systems of North Korea. It
is noted, however, that the study’s impact is limited by the small number of
witnesses as related to PPC in the study, which comprises the study’s main
foundation, as well as the excessive focus on the cases of human rights
violations against prisoners who have limited understanding of the overall
structure of the PPC in North Korea. Huh Man-ho (2002)15 has asserted that
PPC are the product of the power struggle by Kim Il-sung and Kim Jung-il and
class struggle of North Korea. He noted that PPC were set up following the
instruction from Kim Il-sung that revisionists and class enemies must be
annihilated to the third generation of the offender. He also traces the
establishment of the PPC to the establishment of the Residents Reregistration System and official adoption by the Party of the ‘Absolute
Leadership’ Ideology. His conclusion is of particular importance in that he
made it clear that the system of PPC in North Korea is important means of
maintaining political power.
15
Huh Man-ho “Political and Social Changes in North Korea and Human Rights:
a Studyof Political Camps,” “Study of Peace” vol. 27, Taegu, Peace Institute,
2002, Kyongbuk Univ., pp. 30-53.
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