 |
| North Korean Flag |
On the topic of North
Korea, the common first thought is towards the
nuclear weapon debate. However, the human rights violations occurring to
the people of North Korea
are often overlooked. A majority of Western thinkers identify the North
Koreans fleeing their country as refugees, yet North Korean authorities, as
well as their neighbor China,
do not agree with that classification. Their unwillingness to view the
fleeing North Koreans as refugees has created a roadblock for outside parties
to assist these people in escaping persecution and a cruel life. One such
powerful entity, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has
been unable to exert any enforceable demands upon China
to end the forcible repatriation of North Korean refugees.
The UNHCR has legal grounds to confront China
and North Korea,
yet this UN body has chosen to take a more discreet approach in dealing with
the North Korean refugee debacle. China’s
relationship with North Korea
proves this country to have a major role in interacting with North
Korea as well as a major role in handling the influx of
refugees fleeing Korea
illegally. Non-profit organizations would rather challenge and place
pressure on China to
influence North Korea’s
current policy towards citizens who flee the country. However “limited
information on… [North Korean]…policies dictated by emotional images and future
conjecture (Yong 46)” could foster penalties. Clear and specific
communication between governmental bodies will more likely be effective
(46). Thus the economic and political intentions of the
governmental bodies involved, impact UNHCR’s motives to remain as a discreet
participant in alleviating the suffering of North Koreans who seek asylum in
foreign countries, particularly in China
where relations on issues of human rights are tense.
To continue reading the full text, please follow the link:
North Korean Refugee Situation
