There are clear indications that Kim and his government are particularly unhappy with the attention and criticism his government’s human rights violations have received. Modest changes have been made by Pyongyang to minimize human rights criticisms. That will only continue if the United States, the United Nations, and other UN member countries continue to call attention to the human rights abuses.

While South Korean governments across a broad political spectrum have sought closer relations with North Korea, the Kim regime has opposed any such strengthening of ties, even when they have been to the advantage of the North Korean people.

It is likely that the Senate will fail to act on the North Korean Human Rights Act before adjourning in December.

UN institutions have given significant attention to human rights in North Korea throughout the year, and the effort will continue.

Unfortunately, one of the unfinished agenda items for Congress is reauthorizing the North Korean Human Rights Act.

The few North Korean government officials who have managed to defect are generally officials working abroad on diplomatic assignments.