On November 19, seven North Korean human rights organizations in South Korea issued an open letter calling on North Korean troops deployed to the war in Ukraine to halt their involvement.
In the letter, the groups questioned the soldiers’ actions, stating, “Why are you risking your lives under the command of Russian officers in battles even the Russian people are reluctant to join?”
They further emphasized, “Aren’t you serving patriotically as soldiers, enduring harsh training and hunger to protect your homeland and people from foreign powers? Why, then, are you turning your weapons on the innocent people of Ukraine?”
The letter also urged the troops to reflect on their choices: “Will you become wandering souls without a home, sacrificed in a senseless war of Russian aggression, or will you stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who are giving their all to resist the invaders?”
The organizations acknowledged their inability to directly deliver the letter to North Korean soldiers but expressed hope that media coverage would convey their message.
The participating groups include North Korea Justice Coalition, Korean War POW Family Association, Mulmangcho Foundation, No Chain, Bridge, THINK, and the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG).
BY GUSEUL JANG, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
