BEYOND RHETORIC: THE UN UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW AND EXAMPLE OF HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF NORTH KOREA.

Abstract

The United Nations Human Rights Council views the Universal Periodic Review system (UPR) as the most comprehensive and inclusive mechanism for evaluating state compliance with international human rights obligations. However, this system relies heavily on state cooperation and compliance, hence, this article seeks to constructively evaluate the effectiveness of the Universal Periodic Review system, particularly within non-compliant states. In specific terms, this article seeks to examine whether the UPR translates into real progress in human rights protection beyond rhetoric and deliberations.  Focusing on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea as a case study, the article examines whether the UPR results in tangible progress in human rights protection or merely serves as rhetorical  window dressing. It provides recommendations on strengthening these mechanisms through the creation of an  independent human rights judicial organ that not only legally binds the reviewing states to the Universal Periodic Review outcome but also accords jurisdiction to legally enforce punitive measures against non-compliance