North Korean Refugee Situation

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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. 

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North Korean Refugee Situation