What Did North Korea Just Ban
North Korea, one of the most secretive and repressive governments in the world, has once again made news by recently banning foreign citizens from traveling to the country. This is the latest move in their long history of restrictive policies, and one that demonstrates the extreme lengths that this government is willing to go to. But what exactly does this ban mean for foreigners?
The ban, announced by the North Korean government on April 15th, is aimed mainly at non-diplomatic visitors. It cites public health concerns as the reason for the ban, citing the need to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the country. The ban affects all visitors regardless of the purpose of their visit, including tourists, business travelers and even those delivering aid, though the ban does not seem to apply to North Korean diplomats or citizens returning to their country. Those who are already in North Korea are allowed to stay, but must respect their quarantine requirements, including home stays.
The impact of this ban on foreigners is perhaps the worry most expressed by experts. Limiting foreigners from traveling to the country means that much of the humanitarian aid and development work that has been done in North Korea will be difficult to continue. In addition, without a bigger presence of foreign visitors, it remains difficult for authorities to monitor what is happening in the country, and to guarantee that the rights of Kim Jong-un’s citizens are respected.
Even if the stated public health concerns are legitimate, it seems that this is yet another move from the North Korean government to further restrict access to their country and limit the presence of outsiders. This fits into a larger pattern of authoritarian rule that has been seen in the isolated country for many years. These restrictions are often put into place for political reasons, with the government hoping to preserve its power and rule over the population.
The ban has caused a great deal of controversy among many of those involved. Human rights activists have expressed their frustration at the lack of access that foreigners now have to the country, while other critics have pointed out the hypocrisy of the North Korean government in instituting the law while seemingly ignoring other public health issues in the country. It remains to be seen how long the ban will remain in place and what impact it will have on foreigners wishing to visit the country in the future.
Impact On Tourism
The ban has already had a significant impact on tourism in North Korea, with travel companies announcing the cancellation of trips to the country and visitors being advised against traveling. With this ban, North Korea hopes to reduce the risk of foreign travelers introducing the virus into North Korea. Yet, as a result, the tourism industry and businesses associated with it have been hit hard by the ban.
The North Korean government relies heavily on tourism as it is an important source of hard currency, and this ban could have an effect the country’s economy. It is estimated that in 2018, the revenue from tourism was around $44 million, and a ban would mean that this income is no longer available to the government. This could lead to further economic instability in the country.
However, some experts argue that the ban may actually benefit the country in the long term. It could create an opportunity for North Korea to develop its domestic tourism industry, as foreign visitors may no longer be able to visit the country and the focus may be shifted towards domestic tourism. This could help to alleviate some of the economic hardships current faced by the country.
Analyzing the Ban From a Political Viewpoint
It is not only the economic and tourism implications of the ban that have been analyzed by experts, but also the political ones. It is argued that the North Korean government is using this moment of crisis to further isolate the country, controlling information and preventing access to the outside world. By keeping out foreigners, the government keeps itself in power and maintains its control and influence over the citizens of North Korea.
The government can also use the ban to stifle dissent and to prevent people from obtaining accurate and up-to-date information about what is happening in the country. For example, foreign journalists have been particularly hard hit by the ban, as they are now unable to report from the country or to access reliable sources of information on the ground.
In addition, the government may want to use the ban to prevent any outside insight into the human rights situation in the country, as foreign visitors may be able to witness first-hand the repressive regime and the harsh living conditions experienced by many of North Korea’s citizens.
Looking To The Future
At this stage, it is difficult to predict exactly how the ban will affect foreign visitors to the country in the longer-term. The ban has been met by some criticism both at a domestic and an international level, but it seems that the North Korean government is determined to keep it in place, citing the need to protect their citizens from COVID-19. It is also possible that the ban could be extended beyond the current date of April 15th.
However, despite the ban, experts are hopeful that in time, North Korea will once again open its borders and allow foreigners to enter the country. It is argued that the government will eventually see the benefits of allowing visitors, including those bringing humanitarian aid and development work, as well as tourists and other foreign visitors, back into the country.
Although the current ban is seen as a setback for those wishing to visit the country, there is still hope that the North Korean government will see the benefits of allowing foreign visitors to enter the country, both from an economic and a political point of view.
Assessment Of The Danger Of Human Rights Violations
The ban on foreigners entering the country has sparked much concern from human rights groups and activists, as it is believed to further isolate the country, blocking outsiders from witnessing the regime’s abuses. It is argued that the North Korean government will now have even fewer restrictions and less accountability, making it easier for them to continue human rights violations without any outside interference.
In addition, the travel ban could prevent those in need of humanitarian aid, in particular those affected by the regime’s abuses and government corruption, from receiving help. There is growing concern that without the help of the international community, these people will be left even more vulnerable than they already are by their oppressive government.
It is believed that if the international community is kept out of North Korea and its citizens are unable to witness the reality of life in the country, it could be a sign of even worse human rights abuses and an increase in the level of repression that citizens must endure. Some experts argue that this is a clear warning sign for the international community and should not be taken lightly.
What People Outside of North Korea Can Do
Individuals and organizations outside of North Korea have been pushing for increased attention to the country and its recent ban on foreigners. One of the most notable groups is North Korea Freedom, which works to increase awareness of conditions in North Korea and promote greater access to the country. Their mission includes the freeing of political prisoners, the promotion of religious freedom, and the improvement of economic and social conditions for the people of North Korea.
Another organization is Human Rights Watch, which regularly produces reports on the situation in North Korea, focusing on the various human rights issues that face citizens today. They work to raise awareness about the country and the situation there, and push for an end to the ban on foreign travelers.
It is important to note, however, that despite the efforts of these organizations, it seems that the North Korean government is unlikely to lift the ban anytime soon. The international community must continue to increase pressure on the North Korean government, who must be held accountable for the increasingly restrictive measures taken to stamp out independent travel and access.
Impact On North Koreans
The North Korean ban on foreign visitors has had a direct impact on North Koreans, as they have been affected by the closure of businesses related to tourism, as well as a decrease in foreign aid. This has had a particularly negative effect on poorer people, as they already struggle to support their families and make a living in the country.
Furthermore, the government’s refusal to allow outsiders in has created a great deal of restriction on North Koreans, as it is increasingly difficult for them to obtain accurate information or to gain access to things such as technology and education.
In addition, the restrictions put in place by the North Korean government have made it impossible for human rights activists and journalists to gain access to the country and to report on the situation within it. This means that there is a lack of information on what is happening in North Korea, making it difficult for the international community to push for change.
The ban on foreign visitors has a direct impact on the lives of North Koreans, and it is important that the international community continues to pay attention to the situation there, and to put pressure on the North Korean government to lift the ban and to respect human rights.
