Historical Context
North Korea’s policy of not allowing its citizens to leave the country is not a recent development, it dates back to 1945 when the country was divided along the 38th parallel. The Communist North, hostile to the United States, developed a strict travel policy, heavily controlling and restricting who could leave and come into the country. In 1971, North Korea signed the United Nations Refugee Convention but made a reservation, declaring their refusal to consider refugee claims from their own citizens. This reservation seemingly ignored the consequence of this policy to its citizens, violating Article 13 of the convention, which states explicitly the right to leave the country.
Economic Struggles
North Korea’s economic and political systems have been struggling for generations, with citizens suffering from food shortages and political oppression. Its economy is comprised largely of agriculture and other primary industries, leaving the vast majority of citizens living in severe poverty. The lack of economic activity and investment limits employment options and citizens rely heavily on government rations to survive. As a result, leaving the country to pursue more economic opportunities elsewhere is seen by many as the only hope of escape.
Travel Restrictions
North Korea has a detailed system of travel restrictions, implemented in an attempt to prevent citizens from leaving the country. All travel require official approval, including frequent checks and examination. People who leave without approval, as well as their families, face harsh punishments, including imprisonment in labor camps. This has led to an expansion of the internal borders, further restricting freedom of movement.
International Pressure
Moves have been made in recent years to pressure North Korea to end its policy of preventing citizens from leaving the country, however the regime continues with its policy due to the fear of international and domestic pressure. In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for the regime to end its arbitrary detention of citizens and to abstain from the indefinite detention and punishment of citizens who attempt to flee the country. Another resolution passed in 2017 condemned the North Korean government for its human rights abuses, including the restriction on freedom of movement.
Political Culture
The North Korean government has effectively created a culture of fear and control, making it extremely difficult for its citizens to break free from the oppressive regime. It does this by brainwashing citizens from a young age, instilling in them a loyalty to the regime and a fear of authority. Any dissent is severely punished and freedom of speech is virtually inexistent. As a result, any attempts to leave the country are seen as acts of treason and not only punished, but also used to control the population by instilling fear in the people.
Economic Incentives
Despite the obstacles and risks posed by trying to break away from North Korea, some citizens have been able to flee the country due to the potential economic benefits. There is growing evidence that citizens are able to make money by sending remittances, meaning they can help support their families back home. Others risk everything trying to reach South Korea, where they hope to find better economic opportunities. In 2018, over 2900 North Koreans were able to successfully defect to the South.
International Support
International response to North Korea’s travel restrictions continues to be largely political, with no real pressure to actually enforce policies that would allow the citizens to escape. In 2018 the United Nations High Commission for Refugees stated that South Korea has not yet provided a safe haven to North Korean defectors, leaving them vulnerable to prosecution and criminalisation if they are caught by Chinese authorities. In addition, South Korea has not agreed to allow passage for North Koreans through its own borders, making it even more difficult for defectors to escape.
Refugee Rights
North Korea’s refusal to abide by international refugee laws, as well as its refusal to even acknowledge the violation of human rights, leaves its citizens in an extremely difficult and precarious situation. Citizens are unable to exercise their rights, including the right to freedom of movement, leaving many unprotected and vulnerable to exploitation. North Korea must take steps to uphold international refugee laws to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and provide a pathway to freedom and independence.
Cultural Influence
The government’s refusal to allow its citizens to leave the country has had a deep and lasting effect on North Korean culture. Growing up in such an oppressive environment has had a profound impact on the population, generating a sense of alienation, fear and paranoia. This has resulted in a population that is largely disconnected from the greater world, instilling a deep mistrust of foreign ideologies and outside influence. The lack of cultural exchange has also resulted in a homogeneous cultural sphere, making it difficult for North Koreans to connect and interact with other cultures.
Politics of Fear
North Korea has employed a politics of fear in order to maintain its oppressive regime, leading to a situation where citizens are unable to escape or even question their situation. The government does this by deliberately exaggerating its own strength and portraying any opposition to its rule as futile and dangerous. By doing so, it creates an environment where citizens are too scared to even consider crossing the borders, ensuring that its control remains firm and unchallenged.
Social Consequences
The social consequences of North Korea’s preventing its citizens from leaving the country are numerous and varied. The most obvious impact is the physical separation of families and loved ones, as those who remain in North Korea are unable to travel and those abroad are unable to return. Another consequence is the loss of cultural heritage, as North Koreans abroad are unable to keep alive their language, customs, and practices. Finally, North Korea’s travel restrictions have also led to a loss of trust, with many citizens too scared to even consider leaving for fear of punishment.
