Introduction to the Topic
Christians across the world are persecuted in many countries, particularly in the Middle East and North Korea. Since the 1940s, North Korea has seen a drastic decline in its Christian population due to the hostile intolerance and persecution unleashed by the leader Kim Jong Un against this religion. North Korean churches have been forcibly shut down and those who practice the Christian faith have been arrested, tortured and in some extreme cases, even killed for following this faith. This article will explore the oppression of Christians in North Korea and its effect on the citizens that are still practicing this religion.
Reasons for the Persecution of Christians Jurisdiction
One of the main reasons for the persecution of Christians in North Korea is the harsh rules and regulations imposed by the totalitarian regime of the country. Kim Jong Un has implemented strict regulations that forbid religious practice and believes that any type of faith other than the country’s official Juche ideology is detrimental to the survival of the nation. As a result, all public expression of faith is strictly banned and those that are found to be performing religious ceremonies are faced with severe punishment. Additionally, anyone found to be smuggling religious materials or talking about Christianity openly is also persecuted by the authorities.
Moreover, in the absence of freedom of speech and internet access, North Koreans struggle to access information about their faith and are unable to communicate with other Christians across the world. This further contributes to the oppression of Christians in North Korea as the citizens are kept in the dark about the beliefs and practices of their faith as well as getting access to spiritual support from other Christians.
Effects of the Persecution of Christians
The persecution of Christians in North Korea has had a deep impact on the lives of those that are still practicing this religion. Many have had to go into hiding and keep their faith a secret in order to avoid arrest and torture by the authorities or even death. This has caused great trauma and psychological distress for the individuals and their families as they are often unable to meet in public or attend religious ceremonies without fear of getting persecuted. This has in turn caused a severe decline in the number of Christians in North Korea due to the fear and danger associated with the practice of this faith.
Moreover, many of those that are still practicing Christianity in North Korea are unable to access necessary religious items such as bibles, prayer books or other items needed to perform religious rites. This further contributes to the difficulty in performing basic religious rituals, ceremonies and celebrations such as Christmas and places an even greater emphasis on the importance of secrecy for those practicing this faith.
Impact of the Persecution on Human Rights
The persecution of Christians in North Korea not only affects the individual Christians but also has a wider effect on the human rights situation in the country. While the international community has voiced its concerns over the brutal persecution of individuals on the basis of their religious beliefs, North Korea continues to violate the international covenants and treaties it is a signatory to. This includes articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which state that individuals should not be discriminated against or persecuted on the basis of their beliefs or religion.
The persecution of Christians in North Korea severely violates human rights and is a stark reminder of the country’s persecution of the individual which is taking place at an alarming rate. Not only does this persecution violate the rights of the citizens, but it also serves as a warning to the international community that North Korea is willing to violate even the most fundamental of human rights and should be held to account for its actions.
International Position on the Persecution of Christians in North Korea
The international community has voiced its concerns regarding the persecution of Christians in North Korea and has advocated for the protection of their rights and recourse for the victims of this oppression. The United Nations has repeatedly called on the North Korean government to end the persecution of individuals and ensure their right to freedom of religion. Additionally, various Non-Governmental Organizations have also conducted studies and investigations into the human rights situation in North Korea and the oppression of Christians in the country.
Furthermore, many countries have imposed economic sanctions on North Korea in order to pressure it to end its human rights abuses and to ensure protection for the rights of individuals. This includes the US-led United Nations sanctions which aim to cut off the sources of finance and supplies needed by the North Korean government to further its oppressive tactics.
Conclusion
The persecution of Christians in North Korea is an ongoing issue and one that continues to threaten the lives and safety of those that are still practicing this faith. While the international community has voiced its concerns and attempted to put pressure on the North Korean government to end this oppression, it is up to the citizens themselves to ensure that their rights are protected. It is only through collective action and support that those affected by this persecution can be helped and their rights respected.
