20
Jan
Escaping North Korea Today
(Via. OFK) National Geographic has a long article on what it is like to be a North Korean refugee today. For those following the blog, it is basically an update of the situation. I recommend everyone to read the article, and take a look through NG’s high-quality photo galleries. A couple of thoughts:
- It seems only two things motivate people to help North Koreans, money or belief in God. Where is everyone else?
- The figure of 50,000 North Koreans hiding is disturbing, since it seems the number has been revised lower and lower each year.
- Kudos to the reporter for giving a helping hand, even a small gesture. While objectivity is important, especially in these stories, journalists are still part of society.
- It’s also important to remember that nobody in this saga is perfect, as Nat Geo points out. The idea of human rights is that everyone is entitled to it no matter who it is.
In regard to your first point, we are very motivated to help North Koreans! There are also many other organizations and individuals like us. What we really need is more mainstream news coverage of the situation.
Thanks for the excellent article link.
Comment by HanVoice, on January 21st, 2009 at 1:23 am