Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
In contemplating the role of North Korean refugees as human rights advocates, I found myself confronted with fundamental questions: Should we actively recruit them for advocacy? Why do many shy away from public roles? How can we support their voices without imposing our own narratives? The insightful presentations by Park So-keel and Shin Hyo-sook at the Korea Hana Foundation’s seminar illuminated these topics, showcasing the potential influence of these refugees. Yet, I disagreed with the notion that recruitment into advocacy is essential.
I raised three key points regarding this issue. Firstly, it’s essential to ask if most North Korean refugees truly desire to step into advocacy roles. Secondly, advocacy must strike a balance with the refugees’ independence and authenticity. Lastly, I reflected on the broader limitations of advocacy itself, as it may not address deeper systemic issues.
Many North Korean refugees prioritize goals that often center around education and career advancement over advocacy. Since 2013, I have worked with over 600 refugees through Freedom Speakers International, focusing on language proficiency and public speaking. Most refugees I encountered seek personal development rather than activism, highlighting a disconnect between our expectations and their aspirations.
When refugees choose to speak publicly, their motivations are varied; they may aim to share personal stories or raise awareness about North Korea. For some, this process serves as a therapeutic outlet, allowing for personal healing and the cultivation of self-identity. Advocacy, while significant, often takes a back seat to their immediate personal journeys.
The transition from being a refugee to becoming an advocate is a deeply individual experience. Initially focused on survival, many North Koreans gradually navigate their paths toward advocacy. Patience is crucial in this evolution, as exemplified by Han Song-mi, who transformed from a silent survivor into a spirited public speaker and advocate over many years.
On average, North Korean refugees take about 11 years in freedom before they are ready to publish their English memoirs. This necessary timeline underscores the healing and adaptation required before they can eloquently share their experiences. Moreover, countless refugees have yet to write their stories, which can stem from various personal circumstances.
Despite the lengthy process for refugees to share their narratives, media and organizations often clamour for fresh stories. The desire for “new” experiences notably overlooks the rich contributions already made by those who bravely stepped forward in the past. This fixation risks undermining the voices of seasoned advocates, placing them in the shadows rather than the forefront of awareness.
While advocacy is a vital tool, it cannot surmount the structural challenges faced by North Korean refugees. Additionally, such efforts can be influenced heavily by outside agendas, which risk distorting the authenticity of their narratives. At Freedom Speakers International, we encourage refugees to freely express themselves, with most preferring to share their personal journeys rather than engage overtly in advocacy against the regime.
Both papers presented at the seminar reflected a genuine concern for North Korean refugees, yet I caution against a rush to label them all as human rights advocates. Advocacy should always remain a choice, allowing for a natural development of voices that resonate authentically and powerfully.
This article focuses on the experiences of North Korean refugees in the context of human rights advocacy. It highlights the tension between external expectations of these refugees as advocates and their personal journeys, needs, and aspirations. Furthermore, it discusses the importance of allowing refugees the space and time to share their stories authentically, emphasizing that advocacy should be an option rather than an imposed necessity.
In conclusion, while the potential of North Korean refugees to become advocates for human rights is evident, it’s crucial to respect their individual journeys and motivations. We must allow refugees the freedom to choose whether they wish to engage in advocacy, ensuring their authenticity remains intact. To effectively empower their voices, society must listen, create space for their stories, and avoid pressing them into advocacy roles prematurely.
