As the war in Ukraine continues, North Korean laborers are being sent to Russia under distressing conditions, highlighting dire human rights issues.
**North Korean Workers Endure 'Slavery' as Russia Seeks Labor to Support War Efforts**
**North Korean Workers Endure 'Slavery' as Russia Seeks Labor to Support War Efforts**
Thousands of North Koreans are facing abhorrent working conditions in Russia amid ongoing labor shortages due to the Ukraine conflict.
In a troubling revelation, the BBC has uncovered that North Korea has begun dispatching thousands of workers to Russia as part of efforts to fill an urgent labor shortage intensified by the ongoing war in Ukraine. As Russia faces a depletion of manpower due to military casualties and desertions, Pyongyang is complying with Moscow’s requests, sending more than 50,000 laborers to bolster its war effort.
Interviews conducted with several North Korean workers who managed to escape Russia paints a vivid picture of their dire circumstances. They describe “abysmal” working conditions under oppressive surveillance from North Korean security agents. One worker, who we refer to as Jin for his safety, relayed that upon arrival, he was escorted directly to a construction site where he was forbidden from talking to anyone. Forced to work more than 18 hours a day, he and his fellow laborers were often subjected to verbal and physical abuse for any perceived shortcomings.
Another worker, Tae, echoed these sentiments, recounting the torment of waking up to a relentless cycle of grueling labor that left him physically frail. Reports indicate that these laborers are confined to construction sites, where they receive minimal care, sleeping in unsanitary conditions and lacking access to medical attention even after severe injuries. One laborer, Nam, shared his harrowing experience of a serious fall from a building, only to be denied medical help.
Historically, tens of thousands of North Koreans worked abroad to send remittances home, providing a crucial lifeline for the impoverished regime of Kim Jong Un. However, after UN sanctions in 2019 prohibited the use of North Korean labor, the tide turned. Nevertheless, with over 10,000 workers re-entering Russia last year and expectations for many more to follow, it seems the illicit import of North Korean labor is rampant.
Experts estimate that the North Korean diaspora in Russia may grow to over 50,000, indicating that these workers are now prevalent across various sectors, including construction, clothing, and IT. This influx comes as Russian officials have even acknowledged the necessity of North Korean laborers in rebuilding areas affected by the conflict.
Despite these workers being thrust into perilous situations, their earnings are largely siphoned off to the regime as "loyalty fees," leaving them with meager allowances that are closely monitored. Their circumstances are exacerbated by a crackdown on their economic mobility, where any efforts to leave or defect are met with increased state scrutiny and ideological indoctrination sessions aimed at reinforcing loyalty to Kim Jong Un.
Activists assisting in the rescue of North Korean laborers report a marked decline in successful escapes, attributing this to heightened control over workers, making it increasingly difficult to flee. The number of North Koreans making it to Seoul from Russia has considerably dropped, revealing a pattern of oppression that may be solidifying with the ongoing war.
In light of these findings, experts warn that this situation reflects the deepening ties between Kim Jong Un’s regime and Vladimir Putin’s government, with North Korean labor expected to remain a lasting legacy of their wartime alliance despite ongoing international condemnation of human rights abuses. With Russia's labor force dwindling, the exploitation of North Korean workers may continue long beyond the cessation of active conflict.
Interviews conducted with several North Korean workers who managed to escape Russia paints a vivid picture of their dire circumstances. They describe “abysmal” working conditions under oppressive surveillance from North Korean security agents. One worker, who we refer to as Jin for his safety, relayed that upon arrival, he was escorted directly to a construction site where he was forbidden from talking to anyone. Forced to work more than 18 hours a day, he and his fellow laborers were often subjected to verbal and physical abuse for any perceived shortcomings.
Another worker, Tae, echoed these sentiments, recounting the torment of waking up to a relentless cycle of grueling labor that left him physically frail. Reports indicate that these laborers are confined to construction sites, where they receive minimal care, sleeping in unsanitary conditions and lacking access to medical attention even after severe injuries. One laborer, Nam, shared his harrowing experience of a serious fall from a building, only to be denied medical help.
Historically, tens of thousands of North Koreans worked abroad to send remittances home, providing a crucial lifeline for the impoverished regime of Kim Jong Un. However, after UN sanctions in 2019 prohibited the use of North Korean labor, the tide turned. Nevertheless, with over 10,000 workers re-entering Russia last year and expectations for many more to follow, it seems the illicit import of North Korean labor is rampant.
Experts estimate that the North Korean diaspora in Russia may grow to over 50,000, indicating that these workers are now prevalent across various sectors, including construction, clothing, and IT. This influx comes as Russian officials have even acknowledged the necessity of North Korean laborers in rebuilding areas affected by the conflict.
Despite these workers being thrust into perilous situations, their earnings are largely siphoned off to the regime as "loyalty fees," leaving them with meager allowances that are closely monitored. Their circumstances are exacerbated by a crackdown on their economic mobility, where any efforts to leave or defect are met with increased state scrutiny and ideological indoctrination sessions aimed at reinforcing loyalty to Kim Jong Un.
Activists assisting in the rescue of North Korean laborers report a marked decline in successful escapes, attributing this to heightened control over workers, making it increasingly difficult to flee. The number of North Koreans making it to Seoul from Russia has considerably dropped, revealing a pattern of oppression that may be solidifying with the ongoing war.
In light of these findings, experts warn that this situation reflects the deepening ties between Kim Jong Un’s regime and Vladimir Putin’s government, with North Korean labor expected to remain a lasting legacy of their wartime alliance despite ongoing international condemnation of human rights abuses. With Russia's labor force dwindling, the exploitation of North Korean workers may continue long beyond the cessation of active conflict.
