Today, we release a new report that addresses key challenges related
to documenting sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)
in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) by providing recommendations for gender-sensitive, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred documentation.
The report consists of two chapters. The first chapter supports human rights
investigators identify and assess the potential
barriers to investigating SGBV in the DPRK context
and to recognise the community sensitisation work
required prior to investigations that can ensure
support structures for survivors are in place
before documentation activities occur. The second chapter provides key contextual information
relevant to the investigation of SGBV in the DPRK
context, with a focus on investigations conducted
in the Republic of Korea (ROK). It is informed by consultations held
by Korea Future with civil society organisations
based in the ROK, including North Korean exile-led organisations; psychosocial service providers
and counsellors who assist North Korean exiles
and other survivors of sexual and gender-based
violence; and individuals from the North Korean
diaspora.
The report complements existing investigative global best practices for
gender-sensitive, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred approaches to the investigation of SGBV, specifically
for the DPRK context. We expect the recommendations will help investigators apply both localised and global best practices to their investigations that ensure the well-being of interviewees and investigators and build the credibility of investigations. A Korean-language version of this report will be released at a later date.
This report was made possible with support from the National Endowment for Democracy. We wish to acknowledge the support received from Justice Rapid Response who deployed an expert to review this report. Finally, we thank our partner, Center for Justice and Accountability, for their support and guidance throughout the creation of this report.
