The North Korean human rights movement is currently experiencing its most significant crisis since its inception in the 1990s, a situation that has been exacerbated by recent funding cuts. Amidst the regime’s unwavering isolation and strict denial of access to independent monitors, civil society organizations (CSOs) such as the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) are struggling to document human rights violations and support survivors.
Hanna Song, the Executive Director of NKDB, highlighted the critical role her organization plays in this challenging environment. Based in Seoul, South Korea, NKDB has become a vital source of credible information on human rights abuses in North Korea, relying on testimonies from escapees to compile the world’s largest private database of such violations.
Since its establishment in 2003, NKDB has documented a wide range of human rights abuses. Initially, testimonies focused on the catastrophic famine of the 1990s, known as the ‘Arduous March,’ during which hundreds of thousands of North Koreans lost their lives. Survivors recounted the collapse of the food distribution system and the desperate measures they took to survive, framing the violations they faced through the lens of basic rights to food and life.
However, as more escapees began to share their stories, it became clear that these violations extend well beyond periods of famine. A landmark report by the United Nations Commission of Inquiry in 2014 confirmed widespread and systematic abuses, including political prison camps, enforced disappearances, and torture. The report concluded that the North Korean regime perpetrates crimes against humanity.
In the years since the report, the situation has worsened, with the government tightening restrictions on information and further isolating the population. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated these conditions, closing borders and worsening economic hardships. Recent developments, such as the regime’s decision to send young soldiers to Russia, have raised alarms about forced labor and potential involvement in armed conflict.
Despite these challenges, NKDB continues its crucial work in monitoring human rights violations. North Korea allows no independent human rights monitoring, leaving organizations like NKDB reliant on firsthand accounts from defectors. The organization conducts secure and confidential interviews with escapees who have resettled in South Korea, documenting a range of abuses from arbitrary detention to forced labor.
NKDB has built an extensive database containing over 88,000 documented cases based on interviews with more than 20,000 individuals. This repository not only informs UN reports and government policies but also lays the groundwork for future transitional justice processes. However, NKDB recognizes that documentation is only part of its mission. The organization also provides critical psychosocial support to escapees, helping them process their traumatic experiences and rebuild their lives.
The impact of civil society documentation on international awareness and policy cannot be overstated. NKDB’s research has brought attention to the exploitation of North Korean workers abroad, highlighting the intersection of security and human rights. This work ensures that the rights of North Korean citizens are not overshadowed in discussions focused primarily on sanctions or military threats.
However, the recent withdrawal of US funding has plunged the North Korean human rights movement into crisis. For two decades, the US government provided vital support for documenting human rights abuses. The loss of this funding has not only threatened the infrastructure built by organizations like NKDB but has also resulted in the loss of essential services for escapees reliant on CSOs for therapy and reintegration support.
The suspension of funding sends a chilling message to North Korean escapees and victims who have risked everything to share their stories: their voices do not matter. The implications of this funding crisis extend beyond civil society; without documentation, the secrecy and impunity that characterize authoritarian regimes like North Korea are left unchallenged.
In response to these challenges, NKDB and other CSOs have adopted various adaptation strategies. Collaboration is key, as organizations work together to pool resources and sustain initiatives despite funding disruptions. Public engagement efforts, such as exhibitions showcasing the stories of North Korean escapees, aim to raise awareness and cultivate broader support for the cause.
As the international community grapples with the realities of the North Korean human rights crisis, urgent actions are needed. There must be a restoration and expansion of funding for advocacy and documentation, ensuring that CSOs can continue their vital work in the face of emerging threats. Additionally, capacity development support, including training in digital security and evidence verification, is crucial for the sustainability of these efforts.
Human rights must remain central to international diplomatic strategies regarding North Korea. The intertwining of human rights and security highlights the importance of real-time intelligence on the regime’s internal dynamics, which is essential for informed policy decisions.
Lastly, strengthening cross-border collaboration among CSOs, governments, and academic institutions will amplify credible evidence and sustain networks capable of long-term monitoring. The international community must act decisively and urgently to preserve the progress made in human rights advocacy for North Koreans and to ensure that the voices of survivors continue to be heard.
