The Envoy Shorts: Roundup of 2017

Focus Area – Asia; Focus Country – North Korea

Many defectors have written about the North Korean regime and how the ordinary lives within that country are different from lives as we know it (who stay in countries where people have elected governments, enjoy the freedom of speech and expression, and are free to conduct their lives with minimum state interference). A new collection of seven short stories called ‘The Accusation’ (2017), written by Bandi (a pseudonym adopted by a writer who perhaps still resides within the four walls of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s kingdom) presents a fascinating account of life in North Korea and how the people there are isolated from their own reality.

We come to learn of the author’s unique voice from the way he presents the preface. While it is deeply disturbing to be aware of the fact that he still stays in the country he writes about, the display of such tremendous courage is truly overwhelming. The stories which appear in this book have been translated beautifully by Deborah Smith (who had also translated the Man Booker International Prize winning novel by Han Kang, The Vegetarian). Each protagonist in these stories is fearful of committing a crime and this is the common thread which binds them together. The collection is a powerful book in every way possible and is an unprecedented work of fiction (or perhaps, reality?).

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The Envoy Shorts: Roundup of 2017

Focus Area – Asia; Focus Country – North Korea

Men and women in North Korea are exposed to human rights violations. However, the women face certain different challenges such as widespread gender-based discrimination wherein girls, since a very tender age, are required to conform to gender-based stereotypes. They face difficulties in getting themselves admitted to colleges and universities and also joining the Korean Worker’s Party which serves as the platform for positions of power in the country. According to Human Rights Watch, women in North Korea face punishment for acts committed by their husbands and relatives including serving time in detention facilities where they may face sexual abuse and torture.

Domestic violence is very prevalent in North Korea with many women not having access to legal services, counselling and psychological support services. While awareness is a key problem with regard to domestic violence, the Kim Jong-un government does not seem very troubled with the current state of affairs. Women are also more likely to flee the country for better opportunities and some may end up becoming victims of human trafficking and forced marriages. Those women who are returned to North Korea are punished for the crime of ‘illegal crossing of border’ which again, may expose them to sexual violence committed by the security officials.

For an overview of The Envoy’s coverage of issues related to Women’s Rights please visit http://www.theenvoy.in/Womens-Rights/

 

The Envoy Shorts: Roundup of 2017

Focus Area – Asia; Focus Country – North Korea

North Korea has one of the most repressive governments in the modern-day scenario. This country witnesses the committing of egregious acts of crimes against humanity such as torture, rape, enslavement, murder, extermination, sexual violence and forced abortion. Basic civilian liberties such as freedom of speech and expression, and assembly and association are not enjoyed by the people of this country. There are restrictions on expression of independent opinions by the civil society and the press. Political opposition can result in arbitrary arrests, punishment, torture in custody, and executions, allowing the government to maintain fear and control among the people.

Defection has been classified as a ‘crime of treachery against the government’ in North Korea and the defectors are exposed to very harsh forms of punishment including death sentence. The North Korean people who are repatriated by China are either kept in long-term or short-term forced labour camps. Those who fail to reach South Korea are treated as ‘enemies of the state’ and are sent to the country’s notorious political prison camps where they are compelled to face inhuman treatment. While Kim Jong-un’s political ambition is known to all, the problem of human rights violations is an issue that is not on the government’s table. The horrible part is it is somewhere under the table and that needs to change, bearing in mind the interests of the people of North Korea.

For an overview of The Envoy’s coverage of human rights issues, please visit http://www.theenvoy.in/human-rights

 

 

The Envoy Shorts: Roundup of 2017

Focus Area – Asia; Focus Country – North Korea

2017 was the year which made the world leaders sit up and take notice of North Korea. What was dismissed as a bad joke a couple of years ago has suddenly become a serious concern for the international community. North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and progress towards realization of this goal has not only rattled the United States (US) but has also managed to trouble its Asian neighbours such as South Korea and Japan. The two neighbours have welcomed US President Donald Trump’s move to place North Korea on a list of state sponsors of terrorism. This country has continued to pursue nuclear weapons and missile programs in violation of the United Nations (UN) Security Council (SC) resolutions.

While North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shows no sign of slowing down or bringing his regime in conformity with the UN SC resolutions, the proliferation of nuclear weapons and missiles in Asia is not very far. South Korea and Japan may strive to reinforce their nuclear potential to counter North Korea’s ambitions. While the US should treat the North Korean threats with caution, it has to ensure that it plays an active role in curbing its nuclear dreams through diplomacy instead of going for it with all guns blazing.

For an overview of The Envoy’s coverage of World Affairs, please visit http://www.theenvoy.in/world/