A/HRC/25/CRP.1 (c) Confession and criticism sessions 176. Children in the DPRK are introduced at an early age to “confession and criticism” sessions. Children gather in groups weekly and take turns standing up and describing their activities for the previous week, as far as possible showing how they were living in accordance with the teachings of the Kim philosophy and the Ten Principles. The Principles are recited during the confession. Children must berate themselves if they have failed in some way during the preceding week; such as being absent from class or not having made a contribution as expected. They must then make a commitment to become better. They are also expected to describe the failings of at least one of their peers in the same group. Until they identify someone for criticism, they are not allowed to stand down. 177. Weekly “confession and criticism” sessions constitute a method for the state to monitor any perceived foibles in its citizens.135 These weekly sessions are carried out throughout the lives of the DPRK citizens. They take place in prison and labour training camps. They are also undertaken for those mobilized to carry out public construction works. 178. Notably, sub-principle 4.5 of the Ten Principles calls for all to: Participate without absence in more than 2 hours of study groups, lectures and collective studies devoted to revolutionary ideas of Great Leader Comrade Kim Ilsung, ensure discipline for these studies and make these studies a habitual part of daily life, at the same time struggling with any contradictions or neglect towards ensuring such studies are always completed.136 179. It was reported in August 2013 that the Ten Principles were revised, for the first time in 39 years, to add Kim Jong-il’s name to that of Kim Il-sung to be honoured with loyalty by the people. It was further reported a month later that the DPRK authorities had “ordered a nationwide round of public criticism sessions and associated writings to determine whether [the revised Ten Principles] are being upheld”.137 180. In the aftermath of the execution of Kim Jong-un’s uncle, Jang Song-thaek, in December 2013, the number of indoctrination sessions across the country appears to have been increased, with the population expected to pledge their loyalty in writing and to reflect upon their own behaviour. The execution of Mr Jang had reportedly caused a considerable amount of bafflement and fear among the DPRK population.138 However, there was no room for criticism of the process, its lack of transparency, its unseemly haste, and its violent ending. Only expressions designed to further the interests of the Supreme Leader and the dictates of the leadership are tolerated. 135 136 137 138 TAP006, TAP007, TAP008, TAP012, TAP015, TLC005, TLC035, TSH052. As translated by Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights. “NK Adds Kim Jong Il to ‘Ten Principles’”, Daily NK, 9 August 2013. Available from http://www.dailynk.com/english/read.php?cataId=nk01500&num=10828; “Sessions Ordered to Check on Ten Principles”, Daily NK, 24 September 2013. Available from http://www.dailynk.com/english/read.php?cataId=nk01500&num=10998. “Execution prompts surprise, fear inside North Korea”, BBC News, 16 December 2013. Available from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25399143. 49