North Korea is a country known for its oppressive regime and lack of basic human rights. The plight of North Korean women who are sold into slavery has come to light in recent years. This practice, also known as «bride trafficking,» involves North Korean women being sold to Chinese men for marriage. According to the United Nations, 60-70 percent of North Korean women who flee the country end up being sold into slavery (United Nations, 2019).

These women are often promised jobs or marriages in China, but once they arrive, they are forced into prostitution or domestic servitude. The situation is particularly dire for women who are pregnant or have children, as they are at risk of being forcibly repatriated back to North Korea, where they face severe punishment, including imprisonment and torture.

As one North Korean woman who was sold into slavery told the BBC, «I thought I was going to marry a rich man and live a good life. But when I got to China, he locked me up and forced me to work» (BBC, 2019). This sentiment is echoed by many other victims of bride trafficking from North Korea. The international community must take action to address this grave human rights violation. Governments must put pressure on both China and North Korea to end this practice and provide support to those who have been victims of bride trafficking. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, «We must all work together to end this modern-day form of slavery» (United Nations, 2019).

In addition to governmental efforts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are working to raise awareness and provide support to victims. Liberty in North Korea is an NGO that helps North Korean refugees who have escaped to China, providing them with resources such as safe houses and legal aid (Liberty in North Korea, n.d.).

Another organization, Human Rights Watch, has called on China to end its policy of forcibly repatriating North Koreans, which puts these women at risk of being sold into slavery (Human Rights Watch, 2019). They have also called on the international community to pressure China and North Korea to end this practice and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, the issue of bride trafficking in North Korea is a grave human rights violation that requires immediate attention from the international community. Governments must put pressure on both China and North Korea to end this practice and provide support to victims, and NGOs are playing a crucial role in raising awareness and providing assistance. As a global community, we must work together to ensure that this modern-day form of slavery comes to an end.