A/HRC/25/CRP.1 • For example, a witness’s uncle disappeared into a political prison camp because of unfavorable remarks he made about Kim Jong-il. The uncle’s disappearance stained the songbun of the entire family. The witness graduated in 1994 and passed the entry level exam for political cadres. Only then did his father reveal to him the uncle’s fate and told him that he would be prevented from a political career and could at best reach administrative or technical positions. Through Ministry of Public Security contacts and bribes, the family was able to see the witness’s resident registration file, where two lines about the uncle had been added. They discussed with the Ministry agent whether the line could be removed against a bribe, but decided against it. Each file has cross-references to other files. If it was ever found out that the witness’s file was tampered with, the repercussions for the entire family could have been very serious. Eventually the witness took up a position as a technical expert. He was denied promotions and the chance to pursue further studies. His older brother, who served with distinction in the military and was recommended for the officer track, was denied entry to the military academy due to the family songbun. His younger brother and the father experienced similar problems.317 288. Individuals are not normally given official access to their own resident registration files.318 Thus, they do not have the opportunity to contest or correct information contained in the files. The witnesses interviewed by the Commission who had seen their own resident registration files had all gained such access through informal connections and/or bribes.319 • For example, a former SSD official who was frustrated with his lack of advancement at work sought to see his own resident registration file, which a colleague showed him. In it he found an element that made it clear to him that he would not be promoted.320 289. Most people have a general idea of the existence of the Songbun class system and where they fall in the order. Often, DPRK citizens became aware of their songbun when graduating from school, or when they experience barriers to gaining entrance to the military, university or preferred professions. Many former DPRK citizens interviewed by the Commission were aware of the types of considerations that would go into determining their songbun and the effects that their class may have had on their access to higher education or employment.321 • For example, a witness was denied tertiary educational opportunities and was forced to work in a mine upon finishing secondary school. When he inquired of a security supervisor to whom he was close about the apparent discrimination against him, the supervisor showed him his file. He was classified as a “No. 43”, the classification of familes of prisoners of war, which made it clear to him why he faced such discrimination.322 317 318 319 320 321 322 TJH007. Songbun is not mentioned on the ID cards issued to people. Ordinary people will not be informed about their songbun (TCC014). TLC018. TJH041. Witness TJH037 only learned why he had low songbun after fleeing the DPRK and being told by his mother in the ROK that his grandmother had been a landlord. His first attempt to flee when he was captured and repatriated had been because he did not want to undergo 10 years of military service as is the usual case for those people who do not have high songbun. TBG021. 81