north Korea UN report - utterly harrowing article in the guardian

[Kveta]

www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/17/north-korea-human-rights-abuses-stories-un-brainwashed?CMP=fb_gu

I just cannot imagine how horrific life is for the lower classes over there

Not sure what, if anything, the rest of the world can do though without fear of reprisal. Terrifying really.

[Patchouli]

Shocking :(

[NinjaCow]

Terrible

[niceguy2]

It's not so much reprisal's but realistically what would be the goal?

Removing the regime? Who replaces them? There's no opposition waiting in exile.

Which countries are willing to send their soldiers off to die to 'liberate' NK? Would we be? Because boots on the ground will be the only way to do it.

Lastly we would need the support of China before anything could happen. China is their only 'ally' and I think often that's only because they don't want millions of refugee's landing on their doorstep so for them it's the lesser of two evils.

Heartbreaking really.

[PandaFeet]

I often wonder why NK isn't talked about more. Maybe governments don't want to be seen to be doing nothing when there's actually nothing they can do.

There were reports a few months ago about cannabalism, because people were so hungry they were eating each other.

Its heartbreaking because there seems to be no limit to the torture these people are going through, but there aren't many solutions.

[NaggingNellie]

God its shocking although not all that surprising, I think it was always going to become clear that they relentless secrecy was hiding something dark, did you see the doc on child orphans?

And although the john sweeney doc was deplorable, the moment where he came across a internet mobile phone on a cliff was quite poignant, ...in the far reaches of society people are trying to find a way out..

Isn't the nuclear weapons thing an issue too? also they wouldn't bat an eye lid at wasting thousands of civillians (their own) to benefit Kim Jong Il, if you understand what I mean, they would make no secret, if a full blown war/invasion broke out that HE is more important than the people, i suppose thats a fear for other countries too.

I suppose they would have to find an alternative to china, south korea? obviously China in no way or shape could take on that level of need they have their own population issues.

[Lagoonablue]

Just read this.....horrific it think this is happening now. Wtf can be done? Something has to change! Fuck knows how though.

[endlesstidying]

Horrendous. No words :( :(

We are so lucky to live when and where we do.

[OneStepCloser]

There was a very interesting documentary on TV not long ago, showing people in China and SK smuggling in laptops, memory sticks and DVDs into NK. It appears now that a number of people in NK are now having glimpses into the outside world, and that that will at some time bring about dissatisfaction on their own lives, it also showed people beginning to fight back (in small ways at the moment) to the regime, they filmed a woman arguing with a guard over the length of her trousers and another shouting at another as she was running a taxi service (not allowed) in both cases the guards backed right off. Apparently the most requested films to be smuggled in are the action films (Stallone, Willis etc) iirc.

I'm hoping that as China is growing at such a fast pace they will start to lessen their support to NK. It's horrendous to hear of 'life' there and how the people have suffered so much, and are to all extents and purposes living in a real life hell. I so hope I see the end of this within my lifetime.

[LadyBeagleEyes]

It is terrifying how a whole nation can be so brainwashed into thinking this is a normal life.
The only way it can be solved IMO is a revolution, it happened eventually in places in Eastern Europe, thinking about Romania in particular.
One day it may happen.
Or maybe I'm just too optimistic.

[Oscarandelliesmum]

I am reading The Impossible state about NK at the moment. Harrowing......I think Onesteps point about growing small acts of rebellion are where hope for change lie. I used to live in South Korea during the sunshine policy years, the feeling there was very pro aid and eventual reunification if they could ever oust the Kims.

[TeacakeEater]

May I recommend Barbara Demick's book "Nothing to Envy", which draws on accounts from escapees of the regime.

[mizu]

Yes, 'Nothing to Envy' is accounts of people who have escaped or defected to China or South Korea. Really well written and a real eye opener.