The ongoing struggle for religious freedom in North Korea remains a pressing issue, as evidenced by the recent findings from the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB). Released at the Franciscan Education Center in Seoul, the 2024 White Paper on Religious Freedom reveals alarming statistics about the state of faith in one of the world’s most repressive regimes.
Rev. Stephen Kim, a veteran advocate for North Korean human rights, shared his insights during the presentation. With over three decades dedicated to raising awareness and aiding defectors, his perspective sheds light on the dire circumstances faced by believers in North Korea. The NKDB’s report is particularly significant, as it marks the first publication in four years, drawing from the experiences of North Korean defectors who now reside in South Korea.
The white paper compiled data from 15,169 responses and documented 2,045 instances of religious persecution. The findings paint a grim picture: a staggering 96.6% of respondents reported that religious activities are prohibited in North Korea. The overwhelming majority, 98.8%, admitted they did not participate in any secret religious activities, highlighting the extreme risks associated with practicing faith in the country.
Interestingly, there was a notable uptick in the number of defectors claiming to have seen religious items, such as the Bible. In 2023, this figure rose to 55.6%, a significant change from the 5% reported consistently since 2008. This surge may be attributed to a smaller sample size of defectors, a consequence of the dramatic decrease in those escaping North Korea post-2020.
The report categorized the types of religious persecution, with "religious activities" being the most common at 64.1%, followed by "possession of religious items" at 17.9%. The increase in religious persecution incidents aligns with the tightening grip of the regime since the 1990s, particularly following the devastating famine known as the "Arduous March."
Rev. Kim emphasized the importance of international awareness and pressure to address these human rights violations. He urged for a concerted effort to ensure the flow of religious materials into North Korea, even as the regime intensifies its control over the populace.
The situation for North Korean defectors in China has also worsened in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rev. Kim estimates that around 40,000 defectors are currently in China, facing heightened risks and stricter policies. The once-favorable conditions for defectors have deteriorated, with many now trapped and unable to return to South Korea. The number of defectors making the journey to South Korea has plummeted from 765 pre-pandemic to just 192.
Rev. Kim highlighted the stark contrast between life in North Korea and the outside world. While North Koreans can now use mobile apps for food delivery, the regime’s surveillance has intensified, with citizens instructed to report any signs of religious expression. The Kim family is regarded as a god-like figure, making the challenge of instilling faith in the hearts of the North Korean people even more daunting.
In a recent survey conducted by Consumer Insight, it was revealed that 65% of South Koreans expressed concern for North Korean human rights, primarily due to sympathy for the suffering of the North Korean people. However, a troubling 86.2% believe that improvement in the situation is unlikely, reflecting a growing pessimism regarding the future.
The NKDB’s ongoing research aims to shed light on the evolving landscape of human rights in North Korea. Seung-yeop Lee, a research analyst, noted that the decline in defectors due to strict border controls has hindered efforts to document human rights abuses. Key issues include forced repatriation of defectors, the plight of North Korean laborers abroad, and the challenges posed by international sanctions.
In light of these revelations, the Korean church is urged to reassess its mission strategies. Rev. Kim pointed out that while the church has played a crucial role in advocating for North Korean rights, a more realistic approach is needed. The focus should shift from mere discussions about future missions to immediate action addressing the current plight of those suffering.
As the world watches, the call for action grows louder. The need for international cooperation and dialogue is paramount, especially in light of the ongoing human rights violations. The NKDB’s commitment to publishing reports and hosting seminars on these critical issues reflects a determination to keep the plight of North Koreans in the spotlight.
For more information on North Korean human rights, visit Human Rights Watch or The Committee for Human Rights in North Korea. The fight for religious freedom and human rights in North Korea continues, and the global community must remain vigilant in advocating for those who suffer in silence.