Forced Labor Beyond North Korea: Exported Workers and Their Conditions

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In addition to the well-documented abuses within North Korea's labor camps, the regime also exports thousands of its citizens for forced labor in other countries. In this article, we will explore the lesser-known issue of North Korean exported workers, examining the conditions they face and the role this forced labor plays in the regime's economy. By understanding the plight of these workers, we can gain a broader perspective on the extent of North Korea's labor exploitation.

Exported Workers: An Overview

An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 North Koreans are currently working in countries around the world, including China, Russia, and various nations in the Middle East and Africa. These workers are often sent abroad under the guise of legitimate employment but are, in reality, subjected to conditions akin to modern-day slavery.

The Selection Process

Exported workers are carefully chosen by the North Korean regime based on factors such as loyalty, family background, and skills. They are then sent to work in industries such as construction, textiles, and agriculture, where they face long hours, dangerous conditions, and little to no pay.

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Living and Working Conditions

The conditions faced by North Korean exported workers are often dire, with long hours, poor living conditions, and limited freedom being the norm.

Restricted Freedom

Exported workers are subject to constant surveillance and control by North Korean minders, who ensure that they do not attempt to escape or engage in any activities deemed undesirable by the regime. Workers are typically confined to their workplaces and dormitories, with little opportunity for recreation or social interaction.

Dangerous Work Environments

North Korean exported workers often face hazardous working conditions, with minimal safety measures in place to protect them from accidents and injuries. In many cases, they are denied access to adequate medical care, exacerbating the risks they face on the job.

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Economic Implications: Funding the Regime

The export of forced labor is a significant source of income for the North Korean regime, with estimates suggesting that it generates hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

Wage Theft

The majority of the wages earned by North Korean exported workers are confiscated by the regime, which uses the funds to finance its military and nuclear ambitions, as well as to maintain its grip on power. Workers are left with only a fraction of their earnings, often insufficient to meet their basic needs.

International Sanctions Evasion

By exporting forced labor, the North Korean regime is able to circumvent international sanctions designed to limit its access to foreign currency. This enables the regime to continue financing its illicit activities, despite the efforts of the international community to restrict its economic capabilities.

The issue of North Korean exported workers is a stark reminder that the regime's labor exploitation extends far beyond its own borders. By understanding the conditions these workers face and the role they play in the regime's economy, we can better appreciate the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the problem of forced labor in North Korea and holding the regime accountable for its human rights abuses.

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