Building Bridges Through Storytelling

In a world where the power of storytelling is increasingly recognised as a force for change, the role of visual storytelling in advocating for human rights and supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has never been more critical. It is with this understanding that Korea Future took part in an important event at The Hague Humanity Hub, "Centering Care, Consent, and Community in Visual Storytelling," that was explored the ethical dimensions and transformative potential of storytelling in supporting vulnerable communities and advocating for justice.

Hyeonsim Lee, Korea Future’s Head of Accountability

Korea Future’s participation in this event underscores our commitment to employing gender-sensitive, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred documentation practices in our work. These practices are not just methodologies but are at the heart of our mission to document and preserve information on the commission of SGBV in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), a mission that is detailed in our recent report. This document is a testament to our dedication to elevating the voices of survivors and ensuring their experiences are heard, acknowledged, and acted upon.

Our work to identify priorities for civil society organisations who engage survivors of SGBV is a reflection of our belief in the strength of collective action. By fostering collaborations and sharing knowledge and resources, we aim to enhance the capacity of civil society organisations to document abuses effectively and sensitively. The event provided a unique opportunity for us to share our insights and learn from other organisations, thereby strengthening the fabric of our shared mission.

The principles of care, consent, and community are central to our approach. Care ensures that our documentation practices do not retraumatise survivors but instead contribute to their healing. Consent is paramount, ensuring that survivors are in control of their stories and that their autonomy is respected at every step. Finally, building a sense of community among survivors and between organisations allows for a supportive network that can drive change both locally and globally.

Our report highlights the urgent need for a coordinated, survivor-centred approach to documenting SGBV in contexts as challenging as the DPRK. By sharing our methodology and the lessons we learned, we hope to inspire other organisations to adopt practices that prioritise the dignity and well-being of survivors. This, in turn, can lead to more effective advocacy, policy change, and ultimately, a world where the rights and voices of survivors are front and centre.

Korea Future’s appearance at the "Centering Care, Consent, and Community in Visual Storytelling" event serves as a reminder of the power of collective action, the importance of ethical storytelling, and the impact that informed, sensitive documentation can have on the lives of those who have endured unimaginable hardships.

We are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this event and to contribute to the vital conversation around the ethics of visual storytelling in human rights advocacy. As we move forward, we remain committed to working tirelessly alongside our partners in civil society to ensure that the stories of survivors are told with the dignity, respect, and care they deserve. Together, we can create a future where justice and healing are accessible to all.