The Desperate National Situation
North Korea is one of the countries ranked lowest in the world when it comes to human rights. According to researchers, this country is one of the most oppressive governments in the world. The high level of political control is extremely limiting and access to information is restricted. This oppressive nature of the North Korean government has made it extremely difficult to escape North Korea, as those attempting to flee face harsh punishments and sometimes death.
Public executions are used as a deterrent by the North Korean government, which can be understood as a consequence of attempted escape or any other form of dissent. For these reasons, many people in North Korea feel completely trapped and resigned to their fate. This means that even those who want to escape for a better life – to live freely, away from fear and tyranny – are discouraged from making the attempt.
Furthermore, there are no legal, safe ways for people to escape. The borders of the country are heavily guarded and strictly monitored by the government. The North Korean government also controls the air space within the country. Those attempting to escape by air must do so in secret, using helicopter or small airplanes which are connected with smugglers.
Those lucky enough to make it out of the country first have to cross the border into China and then head to Thailand, Laos or even farther away countries. The punishment for being caught while trying to escape is severe, including execution, forced labor and years in prison camps. Recent reports have shown that even those who make it out of North Korea and across the border into China are still in danger of being sent back and are subject to the same punishments.
The Economical Factor
Another factor that makes escaping North Korea difficult is the economic situation of the country. Although not officially confirmed, it is thought that most people in North Korea live in poverty or struggle to survive. The cost of leaving and the travel expenses associated with it is extremely prohibitive for most people. Considering that on average, North Koreans earn around $40-$50 per month, it is almost impossible for them to save enough to leave.
The North Korean government also imposes high taxes on the population, which makes it even harder for people to save money and escape. In addition, the North Korean government also keeps tight control on the foreign currency and discouraged international trade activities. There are very few ways for people to generate income, and this makes it difficult for them to accumulate enough money to escape.
In addition, the North Korean economy is heavily censored. This means that the outside world is unaware of the true extent of the economic situation inside the country and this makes it difficult for people to prepare to escape or to get access to resources.
UN & International Pressure
The United Nations (UN) and other international organizations have long denounced North Korea’s human rights abuses and the desperate situation of its people. In recent years, the UN has imposed several sanctions on the regime in an effort to put pressure on the government to change its policies and to improve the lives of the people. However, these sanctions have thus far failed to bring about the desired change.
Despite the sanctions, North Korea continues to violate international human rights standards and its oppressive policies remain unchanged. This is mainly due to the fact that North Korea is isolated from the rest of the world and protected by powerful allies such as China and Russia. Thus, the UN and international pressure have been limited in effectively changing the situation.
Furthermore, the sanctions are also hurting the people of North Korea in the form of economic hardship, as the sanctions make it difficult for the government to trade with other countries and for the people to get access to the necessary resources. This exacerbates the already desperate economic situation and makes it even harder for people to escape.
The Role of NGOs
Several Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are working to help people escape from North Korea and to assist those who have made it out. These organizations are advocating for the human rights of the North Korean people and working to raise awareness of the dire situation on the ground inside North Korea.
In addition, these NGOs are providing financial and legal assistance to those who have escaped and are at risk of deportation. The NGOs are also collecting donations from around the world to help finance the escape of individuals and families, as well as providing them with the necessary resources to start new lives in temporary countries of asylum.
These organizations are extremely important in helping people to escape from North Korea, but they are limited in their impact due to the oppressive nature of the regime and the limited access to resources.
The Role of Refugees
The North Korean Human Rights Crisis has become an international issue with countries around the world calling for greater protection of the North Korean people. North Korean refugees play a key role in this fight, by teaching the world about the true nature of the regime and bringing attention to the situation on the ground. Their stories are often heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time, which helps to shed light on the realities of life in North Korea.
When refugees arrive in other countries, they often join activist groups and networks, where they can find support and safe havens to share their stories with the world. This has a profound effect on public opinion, as these refugees provide a unique insight into what life is like for people living under the oppressive regimes of dictators like Kim Jong Un.
These stories also help to motivate people to take action and speak out in support of the North Korean people. This is especially true in countries like South Korea, where the general population is highly aware of the human rights situation and desperate to help those attempting to escape North Korea.
The Role of Technology
While the internet is heavily censored in North Korea, technology is starting to play a role in helping people escape the country. Smartphones and other devices have become more common in North Korea, allowing people to access the outside world and to collect information on potential escape routes.
Technology is also being used by activists and NGOs to help connect North Koreans with the outside world and to share news and information. Organizations are also using technology to provide legal assistance, communication, financial resources and other forms of support to those attempting to escape North Korea.
This technology is also helping to bring attention to the plight of the North Korean people by providing a platform for refugees to share their stories, or by providing a direct link to outside news sources.
Advocacy and Support Groups
Advocacy and support groups are also helping to raise awareness and support for the North Korean people and to provide assistance to those attempting to escape. These groups are hosting events and initiatives, such as marches and rallies, to generate public pressure on North Korea and to spread the message of freedom and human rights.
They are also using the media to draw attention to the dire situation in North Korea and to share the stories of the North Korean people. These groups are also working closely with international governments and organizations, such as the UN and the US, to put pressure on the North Korean government and to increase support for refugees.
Advocacy and support groups have become more active in recent years and have managed to expand their reach by using social media and other forms of communication. This has helped to raise awareness and to put pressure on the North Korean government to improve human rights, as well as to support people who are attempting to escape.
