North Korea
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- Unclear restrictions - it is not clear to what extent restrictions apply.
Restrictions on entry to North Korea
It is unclear whether the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea imposes restrictions on entry of people living with HIV.
Both UNAIDS and the US Department of State report to be unaware of any HIV-related restrictions on entry to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
However, anecdotal information provided to us in 2000 states that if a person’s HIV-positive status becomes known, they are deported. See the case studies section below.
Restrictions on short-term stay in North Korea
We found no further evidence of HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.
Both UNAIDS and the US Department of State report that there are no HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.
Restrictions on long-term stay in North Korea
We found no further evidence of HIV-related restrictions on long-term stay.
Both UNAIDS and the US Department of State report that there are no HIV-related restrictions on long-term stay.
Treatment access in North Korea
In the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Health is responsible for the prevention and control of HIV. It has been reported that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has no experience in treating people with HIV, and the government officially denies there is anyone living with HIV in the country. Therefore the information provided to us suggests that non-nationals living with HIV are deported.
Case Studies
11 November 2024:
In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Health is responsible for the prevention and control of AIDS. It has been reported that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has no experience in treating people with AIDS, as there is no AIDS case reported in the country. This is why those concerned are sent back to their country of origin, since they should be treated in countries with sufficient experience in the matter.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
There is no known HIV criminalisation in North Korea. We are not aware of any HIV-specific criminal laws in force, and there have been no reported prosecutions for alleged HIV ‘exposure’, non-disclosure, and/or transmission under general criminal laws.
Visit the North Korea page on the Global HIV Criminalisation Database to see more information about known HIV criminalisation laws in this country, an overview of how the laws are used, and any significant advocacy developments.
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