Up to 120,000 people are believed to be imprisoned without due process, under inhumane conditions, for political reasons. An estimated 400,000 have died in such camps. We seek to:
Under the regime’s military first policies, food supplies are known to be withheld from those that need it most and provided to those who are categorized as loyal or useful to the regime. Even internationally provided food assistance is reported to be diverted on many occasions. This use of food as a method of political retribution and coercion must stop.
North Korea and China must cease criminalizing the act of leaving North Korea without permission, and the rights of those fleeing North Korea’s political persecution must be respected. Escapees are political refugees who must not be forcibly repatriated. UNHCR must be given access to North Koreans in the border areas. Foreign citizens abducted by the regime and held against their will must be allowed to return to their homes.
Provide information to the North Korean people, especially via radio and other media, ending their forced isolation. Educate North Koreans on what is happening internationally and advocate for free and open speech.
Encourage companies investing in North Korea to develop a code of conduct, similar to the Sullivan principles that were applied in South Africa to protect workers and other citizens.
Provide information to the North Korean people, especially via radio and other media, ending their forced isolation. Expand access to free media including information on the international community.
The Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK), founded in 2001 and based in Washington DC, is a non-partisan human rights organization whose principal objective is to raise international awareness of North Korea’s human rights situation through the publication of well documented reports and by undertaking outreach activities in support of the recommendations in those reports.
HRNK’s funding comes primarily from foundations and individual donors. When the organization accepts funding from governments, it will be to further the mission of HRNK and not for any other purpose. As a non-governmental organization, it is independent from the direction of any government or from being under government influence in any way. It is the objectivity, impartiality and quality of HRNK’s reports that have established its reputation and leading role in the network of human rights, humanitarian assistance, and policy organizations focused on North Korea. The organization under all circumstances will uphold its independent and non-political judgement in addressing North Korea’s human rights situation.
Successful applicants will undergo a formal interview process before being offered an internship. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis. We strongly recommend that applicants apply at least 3 months prior to their anticipated start date. Internships are typically unpaid, but academic credit is honored. A minimum commitment of 20 working hours per week is preferred. Please upload your documents in the .doc format.
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