Refugees' post-emigration struggles

Daily NK has a short article out that reminds us of the continuing difficulties refugees face even after they are able to make it to a safe country.

The coalition has focused more on the rehabilitation of North Korean women in South Korea upon their immigration than on their problems overseas. Also, the coalition has been trying to resolve all the difficulties encountered by female defectors, 70% of all the defectors, during their new life in South Korea.

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Kang mentioned that North Korean women have been particularly suffering from serious mental stress after being threatened by sexual abuse and human traffic.

Accordingly she insisted that “Many of female defectors should be treated with psychotherapy for they have experienced severe shock and stress during their exile and settling in,” and continued “For these reasons we will establish a care centre for them.”

Female defectors will also contribute to the management of the centre. The North Koreans, who is operating the centre, have also shown strong passion taking initiative to obtain a certificate in consulting psychotherapy.

Also, Ms. Kang's personal story is a testament to the power of information.

It was the memoir of Mr. Hwang Jang Yop, former secretary of the North Korean Workers’ Party who defected to South Korea in 1997, that made her leave for South Korea. She happened to find his book when she visited her relatives in China.