On August 16, 2024, NK News reported South Koreaโs decision to establish a new fund dedicated to promoting human rights in North Korea. Hanna Song, Executive Director of NKDB, provided a critical perspective on the initiative. She raised concerns about the fundโs practical impact on NGOs, stating:
โThe government just expects a lot of deliverables, such as projects, without actually supporting the people who do the work. Youโre not going to have a North Korean human rights movement if you donโt have people working thereโ.
She also highlighted the limitations of South Koreaโs funding model, which often excludes support for personnel costs :ย
"Unless there is a huge change in the regulations of this fund, I donโt see how it will genuinely support NGOs."
Moreover, she questioned the feasibility of the fund, given the partisan nature of North Korean human rights issues in South Korea:ย
"The new fund might not even see the light of day so long as North Korean human rights remains a partisan issue in the South", she said, emphasizing that bipartisan support is essential for the success of human rights initiatives.
The full article can be accessed by clicking HERE.ย
On August 16, 2024, NK News reported South Koreaโs decision to establish a new fund dedicated to promoting human rights in North Korea. Hanna Song, Executive Director of NKDB, provided a critical perspective on the initiative. She raised concerns about the fundโs practical impact on NGOs, stating:
She also highlighted the limitations of South Koreaโs funding model, which often excludes support for personnel costs :ย
Moreover, she questioned the feasibility of the fund, given the partisan nature of North Korean human rights issues in South Korea:ย
The full article can be accessed by clicking HERE.ย