Private Ownership and Inheritance Guaranteed

On September 26, 2002, North Korea disclosed the content of “Act for Special District of Shinuijoo (6 chapters, 101 sections and 4 supplementary sections).” The act is mainly for guaranteeing private ownership and inheritance.

According to the 26th disclosure of the act by Chosun Central Broadcasting (CCB), the special district is empowered to autonomously execute its own financial and monetary policies, and export and import foreign currencies without any limit. In addition, it can structure and appropriate its own budget, and set its own customs tax rates.

The act expressly provides that private ownership and inheritance are guaranteed. It also provides that personal properties are not confiscated or taken by the government. Even when they are taken for national security purposes, the government should make appropriate compensations.

The CCB also reported that the central government of North can station troops within the special district, and reserves the right to impose the martial law in the district in case a war or an armed conflict occurs in it. Also within the special district, political organizations of other countries are not allowed to engage in activities.

In addition, residents of the special district will receive 11 years of free education from the district, along with other welfare benefits such as paid leave, and Medicaid. Furthermore, residents over 16 years of age can vote and run for public office. The act also guarantees the residents the freedom of religion as long as their religious activities do not disturb the social stability and order.

Previously on Sep. 21, the CCB reported the main structure of the act: Politics (Chapter 1), Economics (Ch. 2), Culture (Ch. 3), Rights and Duties of Residents (Ch. 4), and Flag and Emblem (Ch. 6).

For more information on the act, please visit our web site at www.donga.com.

Dong-Ki Sung esprit@donga.com