A/HRC/46/51 organizations’ applications for consultative status with ECOSOC should be positively considered, as this status is a requirement to be accredited as an observer to the Human Rights Council. 32. The Special Rapporteur engaged with the Government of the Republic of Korea on its decision to conduct business inspections of civil society organizations and the revision of the Development of Inter-Korean Relations Act. The revision to the Development of InterKorean Relations Act prohibited the flying of balloons and leaflets, broadcasting by loudspeakers and installation of visual materials along the military demarcation line, punishing these with possible imprisonment to up to three years. The Special Rapporteur expressed concern that the revised law limits many activities of escapees and civil society organizations, and such limits may not comply with international human rights law, and recommended a review of the legislation. In January 2021, the Ministry of Unification issued guidelines on the interpretation of the law clarifying that this Act is not applicable to the activities from a third country. 33. The United Nations has a responsibility to support and facilitate the work of civil society organizations, lawyers and victims’ groups in their fight against impunity. The Special Rapporteur supports the work of OHCHR, particularly its field-based structure in Seoul, in coordinating efforts by civil society organizations and lawyers, building their capacity, and amplifying the voices of victims, including escapees from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and their families, and activists. 34. The process of fighting against impunity will also help build a sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula. As an escapee from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea told OHCHR, “people matter whenever we discuss reconciliation and peace.”42 Peace for all Koreans can be comprehended only by Korean people, therefore people’s search for truth and justice should be supported as an integrated part of peace process. Therefore, the United Nations must be coherent in emphasizing human rights while pursuing peace, development and denuclearization in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. IV. Situation on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on human rights 35. According to the WHO, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had tested 13,259 people for COVID-19 as of 31 December 2020. All the results were negative. The Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea applied to join the COVAX scheme, an initiative for equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines, a welcome approach to international cooperation. The country is expected to receive 1,992,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford Vaccine in the first half of 2021 under this initiative. The Special Rapporteur urges the Government to take this opportunity to grant full and unimpeded access not only to medical and related staff involved in COVID-19 vaccinations but also to humanitarian actors providing critical support. 36. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to strictly implement its antiepidemic measures. Authorities have occasionally locked down several cities as a measure to control possible COVID-19 transmission and residents exhibiting fevers for more than three days are reportedly required to self-isolate. A reported new emergency anti-virus law required both citizens and foreigners to unconditionally comply with anti-epidemic measures.43 Unconfirmed reports indicated that a buffer zone has been set up 1-2 km along the borders and that officials have authorized law enforcement agencies to “shoot on sight” anyone attempting to cross the country’s borders.44 On 22 September, a 47-year-old official of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea was shot dead by the security forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Special Rapporteur sent 42 43 44 OHCHR, Discussion paper on Laying the human rights foundations for peace (September 2020), p. 30. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20201101001200325?section=nk/nk. https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/10/28/north-koreas-unlawful-shoot-sight-orders. 13