"We will continue to work toward realizing an inclusive society where people can live in harmony," he said. The total number of North Korean defectors entering the country was 34,352 as of the first quarter of 2024.
The Human Rights Commission said, "North Korean defectors are citizens who have been exposed to various dangers and experienced physical and mental pain from the time they escaped until they settled in South Korean society. In addition to the difficulties they faced during their escape,
In addition, when they first arrive in the country and settle in, they have to adapt to southern society with few ties to their families or neighbors, which leads to barriers to social participation, feelings of isolation, difficulties finding employment or receiving an education, and even prejudice from society.
"The government established the 'North Korea Defector Refugee Program' in 1997 with the aim of providing stable support for North Korean defectors to settle in," he said.
"We have enacted the Act on Protection of and Support for Settlement of Foreign Residents," he said, explaining, "We are providing social support, such as lifestyle assistance, education, employment, and psychological support, through Hana In (settlement support facilities), local Hana Centers, and local governments."
"We have operated a system to support adaptation and stable settlement in the region," he said, but added, "Even now, North Korean refugees who risked their lives to escape North Korea and settle in South Korea are meeting their tragic end after enduring hardships.
"In 2023, we will conduct a survey on the human rights situation in crisis homes of North Korean defectors, and we are currently considering ways to improve the system based on the results of that survey.
" He went on to say, "Policy support in areas such as the economy, medical care, and education can be overcome through the efforts of the government and local governments, but the sense of belonging and self-esteem of being a member of a community can only be achieved through mutual support between members.
"This can only be achieved through respect," he said, "so in order for North Korean defectors to settle in a stable manner, in addition to providing them with economic and physical support, we must also accept them as members of our society and treat them as people who can live together with us."
The Human Rights Commission concluded by stressing that, "It is important that Korean society does not discriminate or prejudice against North Korean defectors so that they can settle into their society and be respected in their daily lives."
"I hope that society will move forward toward a more mature society with tolerance and consideration, rather than a society that is dominated by North Korean defectors," he said. "I also hope that members of society will learn ways to understand each other's differences and live together through coexistence with North Korean defectors."
I look forward to learning from you."
2025/07/13 13:27 KST
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