NHRCK: Protecting North Korean defectors' rights is a measure of democracy

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has issued a statement for the third annual 'North Korean Defectors' Day,' calling for a society of respect and inclusion for those who have left North Korea. The commission commemorated their courage and lives, urging continuous efforts to build a more welcoming environment.

July 14th is designated as 'North Korean Defectors' Day' in commemoration of the enactment of the law that provides the legal status and support policies for their resettlement. However, the number of North Koreans defecting to South Korea has seen a sharp decline. As of December last year, the total number of defectors in South Korea was 34,537. While the annual intake was between 2,000 and 3,000 from 2003 to 2011, it decreased significantly afterward. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number dropped below 100, and recently, it has hovered around 200 individuals per year.

Despite the decrease in numbers, many North Korean defectors continue to face social discrimination. A survey by the Nam Buk Hana Foundation revealed that 14% of defectors experienced discrimination or being looked down upon in the past year due to their origin. The NHRCK acknowledged this figure, stating that while it represents a decrease from the previous year, a considerable number still experience prejudice. The commission emphasized the ongoing need for societal awareness improvement and the creation of an inclusive environment.

In line with fostering a more respectful approach, the NHRCK had previously recommended to the Ministry of Unification that the opinions of North Korean defectors themselves be sufficiently considered when changing their designation, such as from 'North Korean Defectors' to 'Bukhyangmin.' The commission reiterated this in its statement, stressing the importance of actively gathering and respecting their views in policy-making and legal revisions.

The NHRCK concluded by asserting that protecting the human rights of North Korean defectors is not merely an act of charity but a crucial indicator of the overall human rights standards and the maturity of democracy in South Korean society. The commission called for collective responsibility from the state and society to ensure that defectors can stably resettle and fully exercise their rights without discrimination in an unfamiliar environment.