The populations of North Korea’s infamous political prison camps, long criticized as hotbeds of human rights violations, has decreased by about 9,000 inmates compared to last year, totaling approximately 190,000 as of June 2024. This represents a 4.6% reduction from the previous year’s figures, according to a Daily NK source well acquainted with detention facilities in North Korea.<\/p>\n
The breakdown of inmates across different camps as of late June 2024 reveals varying population sizes. Camp 14 in Kaechon holds approximately 39,300 inmates, while Camp 15 in Yodok contains about 34,000. Camp 16 in Hwasong has a population of around 21,000, and Camp 17, also in Kaechon, houses about 39,600 prisoners. Camp 18 in Bukchang holds approximately 23,800 inmates, and Camp 25 in Susong contains around 32,100 prisoners.<\/p>\n
The increase in Camp 18’s population appears to be due to a surge in internal dissatisfaction with the state, political dissenters, and opponents of government policies. “Early this year, there were orders to expand prison capacity to immediately suppress even the slightest elements of state subversion as part of efforts to strengthen social control,” the source said.<\/p>\n
Notably, Camp 16 has seen an influx of entire families, including young children and the elderly. “Previously, single family units were common, but now entire extended families being interned,” the source said. “This is to punish and ‘re-educate’ not just the political prisoners themselves, but their families as well.”<\/p>\n