Service & Social Capital

I think the issue of the human rights of North Korean refugees is deeply affected by international social capital. It is difficult for countries to be able to trust each other, since, for the most part, countries are only looking out for themselves and their self-interests. Since North Korea is kind of a taboo country, especially on human rights as well as nuclear proliferation, it is difficult to get many countries to agree on policies regarding human rights.

Volunteering with LiNK will not only help me to understand the issue better, but it will also increase the ability of LiNK to help North Korean refugees. LiNK uses a network of safe houses and contacts to help smuggle the refugees out of North Korea and to help keep them from being deported back to North Korea by the Chinese government. It is important for the refugees to trust the workers from LiNK in order for them to escape safely.

Ignoring the problems of North Korea seems to be a norm throughout the world, however, the refugee and human rights crisis is not something that can be ignored any longer. I think more education about the crisis in North Korea will help to increase the ability of organizations like LiNK to help the people of North Korea. Increased awareness might also bring the issue to national attention, which will make the US government more likely to address the issue.