THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER, IMAGE: TXLLXT TXLLXT 

The first was focused on the experiences of the disabled and neurodivergent, the effects of period poverty and more. Around a central table sat Lord Alton of Liverpool, Ian Duncan Smith’s empty seat (on both occasions due to unforeseen circumstances) and other important individuals. In the first event, these individuals seated at said central table were speakers from academia at the University of Central Lancashire’s International Institute of Korean Studies, and leaders from charities based on supporting those who have escaped, including Connect North Korea - a London based charity and the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB), based in Seoul. Numerous North Korean escapees were also seated at the central table, who would go on to share their powerful testimonies.

The first topic of discussion was period poverty. Admittedly not an issue I expected  to hear about when heading to the event, nor is one I had a great understanding of before attending, but after hearing the stories I am about to share I can say the issue is not nearly spoken about enough. 

In North Korea, menstruation is taboo. Women are often frowned upon if they discuss menstruation, and many lack understanding of what it actually is. This has led to fear of what many view as ‘bodily excretion’, and young women often not receiving family or societal support on how to handle their menstrual cycles. We were told stories of women forced to use items which are unsanitary to prevent bleeding, which can lead to serious health risks and infection. I feel that this is a topic which must be discussed more - North Korean women are not the only ones who experience it, and the topic must be mentioned more when discussing global inequality. Women around the world are endangered by inadequate understanding and social judgement. 

After this discussion came another on the experiences of the disabled and neurodivergent. This was the topic that shocked me the most of all. We heard from the NKDB a story of a mother who fled to South Korea with her son, who is autistic. In North Korea, she was taught not to be proud of her son, and that he was a burden. Because of this, she didn’t let her son attend school or talk with other children in order to avoid societal judgement. It was only when she reached South Korea that she was taught to embrace her son’s differences, understand that it is normal and that she should be proud of him. Those with disabilities are not embraced by North Korean society – they are outcasts who are not supported or given the help that they need. If those with disabilities are unlawfully placed in prison camps, they are often subjected to labour expected of one who does not have their disabilities. Their failure to complete these tasks afterwards can lead to the individual experiencing torture or worse. 

The difference in attitude towards those who are disabled or neurodivergent compared to the West to me is difficult to really comprehend. Here, those who have physical disabilities or are neurodivergent are supported. Although many do experience stigma and bullying, it is impossible to imagine a society where those with disabilities or neurodivergence are mistreated, are not supported, and could face torture if unable to complete a task they are physically incapable of doing. To me, this is a demonstration of the worst of human behaviour. 

The first event was rounded up after hearing from an artist born in North Korea, now based in London. She showed paintings of her hometown she had painted from memory, in order to deal with homesickness she felt from being away, with the knowledge that she would never go back. I found the fact that she could never return very difficult to get my head around. The idea that she who has escaped has no choice but never returning without facing punishment, torture, or death shows the reality of the situation. Those who find the courage to escape are unbelievably brave.

THE BORDER BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA, IMAGE: AFP

Now, onto the second event. 

The second event was much larger, focused on religious persecution within the nation. Many more attended both at the central table of speakers and on the outside. Being crammed in the relatively small committee room on such a warm day was unpleasant, but the experiences we heard about made up for it. 

Sat at the aforementioned central table again included Lord Alton and the empty chair of Sir Ian Duncan Smith. This time, International Human Rights lawyers from both the South Korean and Washington DC bar associations were also present, a former Ambassador for Human Rights at the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a Professor at the Law School of the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, South Korea. Additionally, a representative from the Christian persecution charity Open Doors was also in attendance. 

First to speak, however, was another North Korean escapee. After discussing a bit about his childhood, mentioning his experience of malnourishment leading to his stunted growth, often going days without food, the escapee went on to share the story of his aunt. His first memory of visiting his aunt came from when he was eight or nine, visiting her town. One morning, she asked him to go and buy her something from the local market and gave him a little money. After leaving the house and following her directions to the market, he bought the gift and began to return home. 

It was at this point that he realised he was lost, as every house looked identical to the other. He had no way of knowing which house was his aunts. 

He began to ask locals for directions, leading him to realise his aunt was loved in her area. She worked selling homemade fudge, but before any was sold she would first give some away to the local people. His aunt was highly respected and loved by those in her community. 

One day, when at her house, however, the escapee witnessed his aunt and uncle being taken away by a black car, never to be seen again. He later found out that his uncle’s grandfather was discovered practising Christianity. For this, his aunt was taken away. Not an act of her own, nor her spouse. But her husband’s grandfather. The escapee has heard nothing of these family members since, and it was at this moment he realised he was not safe within the country. He realised only upon leaving the nation that many teachings he was taught by his aunt and uncle reflected that of the bible – they were also Christian, but were not found out themselves. 

Christianity in North Korea is a strange topic. There are churches, although they do not act in a way you’d expect. 

The closest aligning version of Christianity to that practised by the few who legally do so is Russian Orthodox. In the North Korean version of Christianity, Jesus was never reborn, and the whole point is to worship the Kim family (as you would expect). Those who are arrested are those who practice Christianity as you and I understand it, worshipping God, and believing in the teachings of Jesus. 

Often, North Koreans practice their religion in secret. We heard a powerful story of women in a political prison camp who would sneak to a tree in the corner of the camp in the evening, where they had buried a small Bible, and they would pray together for their safety. Many practice underground – we saw images of North Koreans in small groups praying together in secret underground rooms and tunnels. 

A SATELLITE SHOT OF A NORTH KOREAN PRISON CAMP, IMAGE: GOOGLE EARTH via THE WASHINGTON POST