Human Rights Groups Call on Zelenskyy to Transfer NK POWs to South Korea

News Summary

Human rights activists in South Korea and abroad have urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to allow North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to seek asylum in South Korea rather than repatriating them to North Korea, where they could face severe punishment.

In an open letter, multiple organizations emphasized that honoring the POWs' free will would not only be a humanitarian act but could also encourage more North Korean soldiers to defect, potentially aiding Ukraine’s war efforts.

The groups cited international laws, including the Geneva Convention, arguing that POWs should not be sent to a country where they may face persecution.

They also referenced historical precedents, such as the Korean War armistice, to advocate for a policy that allows defecting North Koreans to resettle in South Korea.

Commentary

It is correctly stated that honoring the POWs' free will would not only be a humanitarian act but could also motivate more North Korean soldiers to defect, possibly supporting Ukraine's war efforts.

If North Korean POWs successfully resettle in South Korea, it could inspire other North Korean soldiers—who live in constant fear and psychological distress—to surrender to Ukrainian forces in hopes of defecting.

Beyond individual defections, this could have a profound impact on North Korean society, particularly within its military.

The South Korean government should actively engage with Ukraine to facilitate the transfer of North Korean POWs, as this could significantly weaken the stability of the Kim regime.