North Korea’s Ongoing Rights Abuses Amidst Covid-19 Policies
In 2024, Kim Jong Un’s North Korea has clung tightly to oppressive Covid-19 policies, stifling movement, trade, and the crucial entry of humanitarian organizations, as highlighted in Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2025. This continuation has intensified the humanitarian crisis, evidenced by reduced access to essential supplies, such as food and medicine.
Impact of Restrictions on the North Korean Population
Lina Yoon, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the dire consequences of these restrictions: “North Korea’s severe restrictions on movement and trade have exacerbated shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods.” The blockade has decimated income sources, rendering many unable to buy what little is available.
Increasing Control and the Humanitarian Crisis
In 2024, border guards were under strict orders to “unconditionally shoot” anyone trying to leave without permission, showcasing the regime’s ruthless approach to maintaining control. Furthermore, the deployment of anti-personnel mines at the border is a chilling reminder of the lengths North Korea will go to deter defections. Subsequent heavy flooding has only worsened this humanitarian crisis, destroying homes and food-producing infrastructure.
International Accountability and Compliance
On the 10th anniversary of the UN’s pivotal 2014 Commission of Inquiry report, global focus has sharpened on accountability for North Korean human rights abuses. However, this was countered by Russia’s vetoing of a UN Security Council mandate aimed at enforcing sanctions. In November, a UN resolution was passed, mandating high-level discussions on these human rights violations.
Military Cooperation and Human Rights Connection
North Korea has also deepened military ties with Russia, supplying troops and materiel for its war in Ukraine, thus intertwining its security issues with human rights abuses. This collaboration, rooted in mutual needs like oil and technology for nuclear programs, serves as a potent reminder of the complex realities on the ground.
Calls for Action and Support
Human Rights Watch urges the North Korean regime to reopen borders and welcome aid organizations to provide monitored assistance, emphasizing an immediate need for international attention. The global community must unite to demand reporting on the links between human rights violations and nuclear developments, and bolster support for civil society advocating for North Korean rights.
– North Korea retains oppressive Covid-19 policies in 2024, blocking humanitarian access. – Movement restrictions exacerbate food and medicine shortages. – Heavy flooding worsens the humanitarian crisis. – Military ties with Russia raise concerns about rights abuses and nuclear connection. – Urgent calls for reopening borders and increased support for human rights in North Korea.
In conclusion, the situation in North Korea remains dire, marked by systemic human rights abuses exacerbated by stringent Covid-19-era policies. The regime’s iron grip on its citizens and refusal to allow humanitarian access continues to deepen the humanitarian crisis. Enhanced international focus and accountability are crucial to addressing both the human rights infringements and the nuclear proliferation challenges posed by the regime.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
