State Of Affairs
North Korea is a nation situated on the Korean peninsula, sandwiched between China to the north and South Korea to the south. It is a country shrouded in mystery and secrecy with the Kim family dynasty having complete authority over the nation since its establishment in 1948. It is also infamous for its totalitarian rule and its aim to build a nuclear weapons arsenal. As a result of this, there has been an increasing number of parties that have made their opposition to the North Korean government clear, and these are discussed below.
United Nations
In 2006 the United Nations adopted a resolution that condemned North Korea for its nuclear tests and sought to monitor their compliance with international laws. This led to the adoption of a number of resolutions that set out international sanctions against North Korea, with the most recent one being the passage of UN Security Council resolution 2013. This resolution was responsible for further toughening sanctions against North Korea and was widely supported across the globe.
United States
The United States of America has traditionally been critical of the North Korean government’s actions and has sanctioned them through the passing of the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016. This act served to tighten the economic grips on North Korea’s attempts to obtain nuclear weapons through various funding, which the US believes is being provided to North Korea from other countries.
South Korea
South Korea is among the nations that have severely condemned North Korea for its military activity. Under the rule of President Moon Jae-in, South Korea has sought to take a constructive approach towards North Korea with the aim of eventually reaching a peaceful resolution. However, there are still harsher stances being taken against North Korea by some in South Korea. They believe that the North Korean government should be held accountable for its actions and seek to increase international pressure on the hermit nation.
China
As North Korea’s closest ally and biggest trading partner on the international stage, China has been accused by many of turning a blind eye to the actions of the North Korean leadership. It is worth noting, however, that China is officially on record as asking North Korea to adhere to international regulations on nuclear weapons and has urged it to cease any further nuclear tests and work towards denuclearizing the Korean peninsula.
Japan
The Japanese government has been particularly vocal in expressing its opposition to North Korea and its nuclear weapons program. It has consistently condemned the North for its nuclear tests and missile launches. Although Japan has downplayed the idea of military intervention in the past, it has not shied away from punishing North Korea at an international level, especially in terms of implementing tougher sanctions.
Russia
Russia has had a more lenient stance towards North Korea. It has criticized North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests, yet it has consistently sought to engage North Korea in dialogue and to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Russia, too, has imposed economic sanctions on North Korea, yet it believes that dialogue rather than pressure, is the best way forward for achieving a peaceful outcome for the region.
Europe
Like the US, the European Union has expressed its disdain for North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear weapons program. It has imposed several sanctions against the country and has tried to persuade the international community to take a unified stance against North Korea’s aggressive behavior.
International Community
The international community as a whole has largely expressed its opposition against North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Through the passing of multiple resolutions in the United Nations, they have imposed economic and political sanctions in an effort to push North Korea towards a path of denuclearization.
Democracy And Human Rights Activists
Democracy and human rights activists have suggested North Korea’s nuclear program is a sign of aggression. They have also expressed their shock at the authoritarian regime’s atrocities and the hundreds of thousands of citizens it is holding in its notorious prison camps, which have been described by the U.N. as “appalling human rights violations”. Activists have led protests and performed various campaigns in an attempt to put an end to the North Korean government’s oppressive rule.
NGOs
A large number of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have been at the forefront in their attempt to shed light on the humanitarian tragedies occurring in North Korea. These organizations have raised funds to aid North Koreans in need and exposed the regime’s human rights abuses in an effort to spur international action to pressure the North Korean government to end these atrocities.
Media
The media plays an important role in highlighting the plight of North Koreans by publishing stories of oppressive rule and educating the public about the dangers of nuclear weapons. This can play a major role in promoting international pressure on North Korea and in encouraging people to take action to end the country’s suffering.
Civil Society
The civil society has made a concerted effort to trigger debates and discussions concerning the precarious situation in North Korea. Through the use of social media, campaigns and demonstrations, these groups have sought to raise awareness and spark international outrage towards the North Korean government’s violations of human rights.
