Recent reports of North Korean soldiers fighting and dying alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have sparked significant concern over the exploitation of human rights within North Korea's military. These revelations shed light on the dire conditions faced by North Korean soldiers, who are often forced into service under oppressive and dehumanising conditions.
North Korea is notorious for its systemic abuse of human rights, and its military conscripts are among the most affected. A 2023 report from the United Nations revealed that North Korean soldiers are subjected to conditions amounting to forced labour, including gruelling hours, inadequate food supplies, and constant surveillance.
According to defector testimonies, many conscripts live on less than 500 calories a day—primarily rice mixed with corn—and suffer chronic malnutrition.
In addition, military service in North Korea is not a choice but an obligation. Male conscription lasts for 10-13 years, while females serve up to seven years, making it one of the longest compulsory military service requirements in the world. These extended periods of service deprive young individuals of education, personal freedom, and the opportunity to pursue livelihoods outside state control.
A lack of basic freedoms and access to information
The plight of North Korean troops is exacerbated by the regime’s information blackout. Soldiers have no access to the global internet or independent news sources, relying solely on state propaganda. The “Kwangmyong” intranet—a highly controlled, government-run network—limits their worldview to a distorted narrative that glorifies the regime and demonises external actors.
For soldiers deployed to Ukraine, this lack of access to information means many may not even know the purpose or location of their deployment. Defectors have often spoken of being deliberately misled by their superiors, with orders framed in the context of “defending the nation” rather than participating in foreign conflicts.
Severe punishments and forced loyalty
North Korea maintains control over its military through extreme punishments. Disobedience or perceived failure in duty can result in brutal consequences, including forced labour, imprisonment in political prison camps, or even execution. Families of soldiers who attempt to desert are also punished under the regime’s “three-generation rule,” which targets relatives of defectors to deter dissent.
Reports from defectors indicate that public executions are often used as a tool to instil fear and maintain discipline within the ranks. This culture of fear ensures compliance but leaves soldiers psychologically traumatised and devoid of autonomy.
Women in the North Korean military
The situation for female soldiers is particularly grim. A 2018 report by Human Rights Watch revealed widespread sexual abuse and harassment of women in North Korea’s military, with senior officers often exploiting their subordinates. Women also face harsh physical conditions, lack of sanitary supplies, and malnutrition, leading to high rates of illness and physical exhaustion.
A former female soldier interviewed by Human Rights Watch described her experience as "hellish," stating:
“Every night, some women would cry themselves to sleep because of the abuse or the hunger. But no one dared to complain because the punishment would be worse.”
The deployment of North Korean troops to Ukraine is not just a geopolitical issue—it’s a human rights crisis. Many of these soldiers likely joined the military under duress, with little to no understanding of the conflict they are being sent to. Their deaths highlight the regime’s willingness to sacrifice its citizens to further its strategic alliances.
The militarisation of North Korean society extends beyond the soldiers themselves. The resources and labour invested in the military come at the expense of civilians, many of whom suffer from extreme poverty and lack access to basic services like healthcare and clean water. According to the United Nations, 60% of North Korea's population is food insecure, and malnutrition rates among children under five stand at 19%.
Statistics on human rights violations in North Korea
Military conscription: Over 1.2 million active-duty soldiers are currently enlisted, with conscription starting as young as 16 in some cases.
Malnutrition: Approximately 40% of North Korean soldiers suffer from stunted growth due to childhood malnutrition, according to defectors.
Political prison camps: An estimated 80,000–120,000 people are held in political prison camps, many of whom are former military personnel or their families.
Internet access: Less than 1% of the population has access to the global internet, and military personnel are strictly barred from any unsupervised communication with the outside world.
Addressing the crisis
The international community must respond to the plight of North Korean soldiers with a focus on human rights. While sanctions and diplomatic pressure are vital, efforts should also prioritise the dissemination of information into North Korea, support for defectors, and accountability for human rights abuses.
Organisations like the United Nations and Amnesty International have called for greater attention to these issues, urging nations to incorporate human rights concerns into their foreign policy dealings with North Korea.
For further information on human rights in North Korea and international responses, explore these resources:
The lives of these soldiers underscore the urgency of addressing not only the geopolitical implications of North Korea’s actions but also the systemic human rights abuses that define life under the regime. Every life lost in conflict highlights the human cost of authoritarianism, making global advocacy and action more essential than ever.