A real human tragedy. The week of February 5, 2012: an estimated 24-44 North Korean defectors in China are detained by Chinese authorities and face repatriation to North Korea. When word crosses international borders that these detainees are under threat of torture, imprisonment, and even death if repatriated, the international community protests with a resounding cry. Demonstrators stage rallies; celebrities make speeches; musicians sing songs; the South Korean President, Lee Myung Bak, urges nonrefoulement; the UN Human Rights Council convenes to discuss the situation; Congress holds a hearing; a South Korean Congresswoman fasts. March 9, China reportedly repatriates 33 North Korean defectors back to North Korea. Seven days ago, June 25, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea publicly executes 4 of the 44 defectors who fled.
We, those invested in North Korean human rights issues and these defectors’ lives, did what we could. We raised awareness, rallied the masses, evoked emotional appeal, made headlines, pierced governmental bureaucracy, and shook the government of the People’s Republic of China. Yet, despite our most zealous efforts, we wonder if we have merely been swinging at the wind. And while the shock and proximity of the result paralyzes us to a lull, we carve out creases in our soft chairs, sigh, and wonder what we can do.
A recurring theme that North Korea and human rights specialists promulgate for inciting change in North Korea is the influx of information. Assimilating, synthesizing, and disseminating information is the spark plug in any mechanism for meaningful change, and a proven step. The Arab Spring and the 1987 June Democracy Movement in South Korea are a couple examples where communal discontent began in nascent stages with gatherings in homes, coffee shops, and Internet forums to exchange views and information regarding the current plight. Our fight begins not with physical weapons, but with an arsenal of messages that deliver hope, enlightenment, and the myriad of possibilities in the world. Already, there are reports of South Korean media outlets illuminating messages of truth through the cracks of North Korea’s surveillance. Then, we shall provide the international community and North Koreans with accurate, current, and well-researched information of the profoundly dismal human rights situation in the DPRK. We gather the kindle and let the self-awareness of their destitution and the sears of the DPRK government’s hypocrisy light the flame.
Thus, let us make controversy, because what is more controversial than the fact that millions of North Koreans die from famine while former Dear Leader Kim Jong-il spends millions on mansions, cognac, and exotic pets? Temperamental bandwagon fans are welcome. Celebrities bring your exposure. International organizations make your stand. Governments raise your voice to the systematic and profound human rights abuses. Yes, continue the fight, because four hearts have stopped beating while ours continue.
By Daniel
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