Plight of North Korean
Refugees Following World War II, Korea was split under Soviet sponsored communist domination.
Failing to conquer the US backed republic ( South Korea) in The Korean War, North Korea adopted a policy of diplomatic and economic self-reliance. The core objective was to procure the eventual unification of Korea under Pyongyang’s centre. Kim Jung -iI, appointed ruler in 1980, asummed full power without opposition. But after decades of economic ‘mismanagement’, North Koreans have been left destitute and immobilzed, relying heavily on international aid to feed themselves. Despite thousands having been left starving and desperate, Jung-iI still continues to expend much needed reourses on N. Korea’s army, refusing to negotiate on foreign investment. His luxurious lifestyle and failure to meet his people’s needs has caused unrest amongst many North Koreans. Many have lost motivation to work due to the unfair distribution of profits whilst others have been left starving after farming methods failed to yield enough produce to sustain the nation in the 90’s. Reminiscent of the Nazi ‘cleansing’ policy, the physically handicapped are deemed as ‘disgraceful’ and expelled from the capital. Extreme restrictions on travel have left many North Koreans chained to North Korea’s boundaries. If
caught defecting from the Stalinist state,
refugees are faced with imprisonment, torture or even execution. It has also been known that pregnant women caught fleeing the country are subjected to forced abortions and those caught watching foreign films or even films made in South Korea ( which proves the success and benefits of democracy) are subject to ‘re-education’.
Despite the imminent risks, the destitute and desperate continue to seek refuge in nearby countries. China however is far from the sanctuary that thousands seek.. Wary of the mass exodus of their neighbours , China, which is obliged under international law not to return persons to a territory where life and freedom is threatened. (known a the law of non-foulement) forces North Koreans to return. Despite the universal law of human rights, China has been vigourously clamping down on North Korean refugees, refusing to allow them refugee status. Treated as economic migrants, men, women and children are arrested and sent back to North Korea, where many will face death or torture.
Life in North Korean has been scarcely documented, namely because of the lack of footage coming out of the country ( anyone caught filming unauthorized are treated as traitors) and secret Police are employed to monitor and destroy underground activity. Conscious of the risks of defection, hundreds have fled North Korea and even if caught and sent back, their stories are being recorded and messages broadcast across the globe. An uprising against the autocratic dictatorship might, according to members of the underground resistance, be on the cards. Supporters range form government officials to the military who pledge loyalty on the outside but preach an uprisal from the inside.
For more information please go to www.freenorthkorea.net
www.nkzone.org