North Korean labor camps
North Korea is continuing to expand its political prisoner labor camps, according to a report released Wednesday by Amnesty International.
Proof of this can be seen in newly released satellite images, commissioned by Amnesty International, that focus on two political prisoner camps, Camp 15 at Yodok in South Hamgyong province and Camp 16 at Hwaseong in North Hamgyong province.
This satellite image from Kwanliso 16 was taken May 26, 2013.
Two additional housing units can be seen under construction close to the main entrance.
Read more: Report: New satellite images show North Korea continues expansion of labor camps
Kwanliso 16
A satellite image of political prison camp Kwanliso 16, showing a checkpoint on the main road.
Movement appears to be restricted within the camps.
Amnesty International commissioned analysis of satellite images of political prison camp Kwanliso 16 at Hwaseong in North Hamgyong province in October 2013.
The images show that instead of heeding the growing calls for closing its political prison camps, repression by the North Korean authorities has continued and the prisoner population in Kwanliso 16 appears to have slightly increased.
Kwanliso 15
Satellite images of Kwanliso 15 taken on March 26, 2011, Feb. 22, 2012 and Sept. 27, 2013.
The three photos show an administrative compound that was constructed (or reconstructed) between March 2011 and February 2012.
The exact functionality of the complex is unclear, but it is likely to be either a guard station or an administrative area to support logging activities.
Kwanliso 15
Four satellite images of political prison camp Kwanliso 15, taken on March 26, 2011, Feb. 22 2012, April 7, 2013 and Sept. 27, 2013.
The images show a probable furniture factory and the change in lumber piles is indicative of production activity.
Kwanliso 15
Satellite images of political prison camp Kwanliso 15, taken March 26, 2011 and Sept. 27, 2013.
The images show logging is widely visible in the camp, with on-going logging activities over a two-year period.
Kwanliso 15
A satellite image of Kwanliso 15, taken on Sept. 16, 2013.
The camp is surrounded by a double fence along its perimeter and numerous guard posts.
Access is highly restricted through two gates on opposite sides of the political prison camp.
Kwanliso 16
Two satellite images of the same central (administrative) area of Kwanliso 16 taken on May 18, 2011 and May 26, 2013.
The area appears to have undergone change in the observation time frame, including the razing and reconstruction of housing structures. hts throughout the country.
Kwanliso 16
Satellite images of political prison camp Kwanliso 16 taken June 11, 2010 and Nov. 18, 2012.
The images show further investment in and maintenance of production facilities, focused on mining, agriculture and logging.
The 2010 satellite image captures the construction of a new facility within Kwanliso 16. In the image further below from November 2012, the industrial facility appears to be operational and new support buildings are visible. In October 2013, Amnesty International commissioned analysis of satellite images of political prison camp (Kwanliso) 15 at Yodok in South Hamgyong province and Kwanliso 16 at Hwaseong in North Hamgyong province. The images show that instead of heeding the growing calls for closing its political prison camps, repression by the North Korean authorities has continued and the prisoner population in kwanliso 16 appears to have slightly increased. The North Korean authorities’ on-going investment in the country’s political prison camps is part of the continuing systematic, widespread and grave violations of human rights throughout the country.
Kwanliso 16
Two satellite images of a village in the northern part of North Korean political camp Kwanliso 16 taken on Sept. 23, 2011 and April 4, 2013.
The area appears to have undergone change in the observation time frame, with new housing being recently added or being under construction.
The guard post in the immediate vicinity of the village allows for constant supervision of the prisoners and is indicative of the tight security within the political prison camp.