Recognising the responsibility of addressing sexual and gender-based violence within the DPRK, our newly published Korean-language guidelines are designed to support grassroots civil society organisations integrate a survivor-centred approach—a methodology that prioritises the dignity, safety, and preferences of survivors at every step of an investigative or advocacy process.
These guidelines, reflective of best practices rather than prescriptive norms, also present our findings on perceptions of sexual and gender-based violence among the diaspora, the societal structures that shape these perceptions, and survivors' perspectives on accountability and their roles in these processes.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by survivors of sexual and gender-based violence is essential, particularly in the North Korean context where concepts like 'gender' and 'trauma' are not widely recognised. To address this, the guidelines have been translated and culturally adapted to resonate with the linguistic and cultural nuances of the North Korean community.
This publication marks not an endpoint, but the beginning of our continuous commitment to empowering survivors. It aims to equip grassroots organisations within the diaspora with the tools to advocate effectively for their rights and minimise harm. Through these efforts, we aspire to cultivate an environment where justice and accountability are informed by the voices of those most impacted.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners for their invaluable collaboration in this vital initiative, and to our funder, the National Endowment for Democracy. Together, we are committed to meeting the evolving needs of the diaspora community, ensuring that our approach remains effective and responsive.
