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| US government grants for North Korea could endanger lives, say experts | US government grants for North Korea could endanger lives, say experts |
| (4 months later) | |
| The US government's recent call for North Korea-focused grant proposals could encourage activities that put people at risk, several experts have told NK News. | The US government's recent call for North Korea-focused grant proposals could encourage activities that put people at risk, several experts have told NK News. |
| The call by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), which offers applicants grants of up to $350,000 to promote “human rights and democratic principles in North Korea”, will in part fund projects designed to physically move information in and out of North Korea – activities that could pose serious risks to anyone involved. | The call by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), which offers applicants grants of up to $350,000 to promote “human rights and democratic principles in North Korea”, will in part fund projects designed to physically move information in and out of North Korea – activities that could pose serious risks to anyone involved. |
| Proposals are sought that promote “access to information into, out of, and within North Korea,” the call says, including those involving “the production of media, including visual/video content, for DVDs, USBs, and other methods to send information into North Korea.” | Proposals are sought that promote “access to information into, out of, and within North Korea,” the call says, including those involving “the production of media, including visual/video content, for DVDs, USBs, and other methods to send information into North Korea.” |
| But while many oppose North Korea’s long-standing information blockade and strict censorship laws, several observers told NK News that there could be serious risks for those involved in the transport or consumption of US-funded information, with provisions in the call clearly implying activities that both North Korean and Chinese authorities may view as illegal. | But while many oppose North Korea’s long-standing information blockade and strict censorship laws, several observers told NK News that there could be serious risks for those involved in the transport or consumption of US-funded information, with provisions in the call clearly implying activities that both North Korean and Chinese authorities may view as illegal. |
| “[The call] is encouraging people to break their country’s laws, with no consideration of the possible consequences,” said James Hoare, a former British Charge D’affaires to Pyongyang. “I doubt whether those who devised these policies have given much thought to the likely consequences.” | “[The call] is encouraging people to break their country’s laws, with no consideration of the possible consequences,” said James Hoare, a former British Charge D’affaires to Pyongyang. “I doubt whether those who devised these policies have given much thought to the likely consequences.” |
| As shown in the case of Kenneth Bae, the US national currently serving a 15-year sentence of hard labour in North Korea, Washington’s North Korea policy is not often helped by the arrest of American citizens attempting to share information that Pyongyang views with suspicion. | As shown in the case of Kenneth Bae, the US national currently serving a 15-year sentence of hard labour in North Korea, Washington’s North Korea policy is not often helped by the arrest of American citizens attempting to share information that Pyongyang views with suspicion. |
| And when an unknown number of North Korean sources that had been working with American journalists Euna Lee and Lisa Ling were put at risk following their arrest in 2009, there are serious ethical dilemmas to consider when attempting to even get information out of North Korea. | And when an unknown number of North Korean sources that had been working with American journalists Euna Lee and Lisa Ling were put at risk following their arrest in 2009, there are serious ethical dilemmas to consider when attempting to even get information out of North Korea. |
| 'Do no harm' | 'Do no harm' |
| Although the grant call welcomes proposals “that support recommendations from the recently released report from the (United Nations) commission of inquiry on North”, a closer look suggests contradictions with the United Nations’ own recommendations. | Although the grant call welcomes proposals “that support recommendations from the recently released report from the (United Nations) commission of inquiry on North”, a closer look suggests contradictions with the United Nations’ own recommendations. |
| While the UN commission operated on a strict “first do no harm” basis to ensure the safety of contributors, the risks involved in moving information in and out of North Korea suggest a contradiction with the State Department’s own strategy to improve human rights in North Korea. | While the UN commission operated on a strict “first do no harm” basis to ensure the safety of contributors, the risks involved in moving information in and out of North Korea suggest a contradiction with the State Department’s own strategy to improve human rights in North Korea. |
| In particular, the UN’s 372-page report detailed the consequences faced by those found in possession of the type of external media the department is proposing grant winners create and deliver into North Korea. | In particular, the UN’s 372-page report detailed the consequences faced by those found in possession of the type of external media the department is proposing grant winners create and deliver into North Korea. |
| The report, which offers the most comprehensive account of human rights violations in North Korea, explained how local authorities have been known to execute vendors found supplying external media, or tortured or imprisoned end-users found with foreign materials in their possession. | The report, which offers the most comprehensive account of human rights violations in North Korea, explained how local authorities have been known to execute vendors found supplying external media, or tortured or imprisoned end-users found with foreign materials in their possession. |
| It also referenced the North Korean criminal code, which says that those found “listening to hostile broadcasting and collect[ing], keeping and distribut[ing] enemy propaganda”, would be sentenced to hard labour.” | It also referenced the North Korean criminal code, which says that those found “listening to hostile broadcasting and collect[ing], keeping and distribut[ing] enemy propaganda”, would be sentenced to hard labour.” |
| They may not be aware of the complications of what they are doing – that by paying people to go into North Korea with anti-government propaganda on USBs that they are effectively choosing to send people off to labour camps – Hazel Smith, professor and director of the International Institute of Korean Studies at the University of Central Lancashire. | They may not be aware of the complications of what they are doing – that by paying people to go into North Korea with anti-government propaganda on USBs that they are effectively choosing to send people off to labour camps – Hazel Smith, professor and director of the International Institute of Korean Studies at the University of Central Lancashire. |
| Because the trafficking of physical information takes place along the Chinese-North Korean border, it could require the illicit movement of individuals and materials, which is likely to break both Chinese and North Korean laws. | Because the trafficking of physical information takes place along the Chinese-North Korean border, it could require the illicit movement of individuals and materials, which is likely to break both Chinese and North Korean laws. |
| And for North Koreans involved in physically smuggling information and operating along the Chinese border there is a high risk of repatriation or punishment in the event of their interception. | And for North Koreans involved in physically smuggling information and operating along the Chinese border there is a high risk of repatriation or punishment in the event of their interception. |
| “Given (that) there is no organisational basis for this activity in North Korea or support networks for them there or in neighbouring China or Russia, this means that participating individuals – perhaps tempted by the financial ‘honoraria’ they receive – will put themselves in harm’s way,” Smith said. | “Given (that) there is no organisational basis for this activity in North Korea or support networks for them there or in neighbouring China or Russia, this means that participating individuals – perhaps tempted by the financial ‘honoraria’ they receive – will put themselves in harm’s way,” Smith said. |
| “The way this call is worded would seem to be an attempt to get round the necessity of informed consent and public accountability,” she added. | “The way this call is worded would seem to be an attempt to get round the necessity of informed consent and public accountability,” she added. |
| The US State Department refused to comment to concerns that the funding call could pose risks for grant winners. | The US State Department refused to comment to concerns that the funding call could pose risks for grant winners. |
| “We do not provide information to any bidder that we do not provide to all. That’s why there are no private conversations about grants or contracts,” said the department's press advisor Carole Jackson. | “We do not provide information to any bidder that we do not provide to all. That’s why there are no private conversations about grants or contracts,” said the department's press advisor Carole Jackson. |
| A net benefit? | A net benefit? |
| Despite the risks involved with getting information into and out of North Korea, two human rights activists said the dangers were worth the benefits. | Despite the risks involved with getting information into and out of North Korea, two human rights activists said the dangers were worth the benefits. |
| “Brave policies, activists and strong convictions have made progress in human history… Doing nothing for fear that such grants may irritate the North Korean regime is cowardly,” said Eunkyoung Kwon, of Open Radio North Korea, an organisation that has received US funding. | “Brave policies, activists and strong convictions have made progress in human history… Doing nothing for fear that such grants may irritate the North Korean regime is cowardly,” said Eunkyoung Kwon, of Open Radio North Korea, an organisation that has received US funding. |
| “Our priority is the NK people’s safety and well-being. Therefore, we have to be extremely cautious when we send those media gadgets into North Korea…[and] require extreme caution” Kwon added. | “Our priority is the NK people’s safety and well-being. Therefore, we have to be extremely cautious when we send those media gadgets into North Korea…[and] require extreme caution” Kwon added. |
| Doing nothing for fear that such grants may irritate the North Korean regime is cowardly | Doing nothing for fear that such grants may irritate the North Korean regime is cowardly |
| Bada Nam, secretary general of the People for Successful Korean Reunification , an organisation that helps North Korean defectors in China, said there was a net benefit to the process of getting outside information into North Korea. | Bada Nam, secretary general of the People for Successful Korean Reunification , an organisation that helps North Korean defectors in China, said there was a net benefit to the process of getting outside information into North Korea. |
| “Even though it is so dangerous to deliver information inside NK, it is worth it to change the people inside,” Nam said. | “Even though it is so dangerous to deliver information inside NK, it is worth it to change the people inside,” Nam said. |
| The growing popularity of South Korean TV shows and music in North Korea meant that local citizens would learn that the government propaganda was a lie, he added. | The growing popularity of South Korean TV shows and music in North Korea meant that local citizens would learn that the government propaganda was a lie, he added. |
| “If there is no one providing information into North Korea, the NK people will not gain any access to the real world. I think they have the right to know the truth,” Nam said, adding that “the future is made by the people who take danger together”. | “If there is no one providing information into North Korea, the NK people will not gain any access to the real world. I think they have the right to know the truth,” Nam said, adding that “the future is made by the people who take danger together”. |
| Nicholas Hamisevicz, a researcher at the Washington-based Korea Economic Institute, echoed Nam and Kwon and said that the benefits were worth the risks. | Nicholas Hamisevicz, a researcher at the Washington-based Korea Economic Institute, echoed Nam and Kwon and said that the benefits were worth the risks. |
| “While many can have concerns about the call because of North Korea’s potential reaction, which could include persecution, jailing, and execution of North Korean citizens found to be connected or engaged with human rights activities, and the imprisonment of foreigners deemed to be undertaking these efforts in North Korea, I am still in favor of this call for grant applications,” Hamisevicz said. | “While many can have concerns about the call because of North Korea’s potential reaction, which could include persecution, jailing, and execution of North Korean citizens found to be connected or engaged with human rights activities, and the imprisonment of foreigners deemed to be undertaking these efforts in North Korea, I am still in favor of this call for grant applications,” Hamisevicz said. |
| However, Hamisevicz also noted that it would be important for US state department to “lay out the concerns, ramifications, and actions the US government can and cannot take to the potential final applicants”. | However, Hamisevicz also noted that it would be important for US state department to “lay out the concerns, ramifications, and actions the US government can and cannot take to the potential final applicants”. |
| The future is made by the people who takes danger together | The future is made by the people who takes danger together |
| Engagers need not apply | Engagers need not apply |
| Although the UN’s report made no recommendations for individuals to smuggle external media into North Korea, it did suggest that external governments and organisations foster “inter-Korean dialogue”, which can be furthered through engagement initiatives of an academic and scholarly nature. | |
| But in marked contrast to the proposals, the grant call explicitly discourages projects with an “academic, research, conference, or dialogue focus”, adding that it “strongly discourages health, technology, or science related projects”. | But in marked contrast to the proposals, the grant call explicitly discourages projects with an “academic, research, conference, or dialogue focus”, adding that it “strongly discourages health, technology, or science related projects”. |
| To me, this basically reads: keep it (to) propaganda. Korean war-esque propaganda leaflets falling from balloons and messages regarding human rights on USB drives do little to serve the North Korean people, but rather lead to increased tension and further crack-downs on information flows,” said Matthew Reichel, founder of the Pyongyang Project, an ngo that works inside the DPRK. | To me, this basically reads: keep it (to) propaganda. Korean war-esque propaganda leaflets falling from balloons and messages regarding human rights on USB drives do little to serve the North Korean people, but rather lead to increased tension and further crack-downs on information flows,” said Matthew Reichel, founder of the Pyongyang Project, an ngo that works inside the DPRK. |
| Because of the limited scope of activities that the grants are seeking to fund, Hoare, the former charge d’affaires to Pyongyang, said the call represented an approach that would be of little significance to the average North Korean, calling it “just another example of people taking the high moral ground without any intention of getting to a solution”. | Because of the limited scope of activities that the grants are seeking to fund, Hoare, the former charge d’affaires to Pyongyang, said the call represented an approach that would be of little significance to the average North Korean, calling it “just another example of people taking the high moral ground without any intention of getting to a solution”. |
| “It will not help those suffering human rights’ abuses in North Korea nor advance democracy, but those concerned can bask in their own goodness,” he said. | “It will not help those suffering human rights’ abuses in North Korea nor advance democracy, but those concerned can bask in their own goodness,” he said. |
| Reichel contrasted the US call with a recent request for proposals from the European Commission for projects aimed at North Korea and Iran, which allows for state involvement in, among other things, developing capacity in the health, education and environmental sectors. | Reichel contrasted the US call with a recent request for proposals from the European Commission for projects aimed at North Korea and Iran, which allows for state involvement in, among other things, developing capacity in the health, education and environmental sectors. |
| “This serves to highlight two very different approaches taken towards improving the lives and human rights of the North Korean people,” Reichel said. | “This serves to highlight two very different approaches taken towards improving the lives and human rights of the North Korean people,” Reichel said. |
| Lacking strategy | Lacking strategy |
| Some observers criticised the tone of the US state department call, saying it reflected a lack of will to pro-actively deal with North Korea. | Some observers criticised the tone of the US state department call, saying it reflected a lack of will to pro-actively deal with North Korea. |
| “Given the duration and severity of North Korean human rights atrocities, it seems odd, if not pathetic, that the US department of state needs to solicit ideas from independent experts on how to improve Pyongyang’s adherence to international norms of behaviour,” said Bruce Klinger, a former CIA analyst at the conservative Heritage Foundation think-tank in Washington, DC. | “Given the duration and severity of North Korean human rights atrocities, it seems odd, if not pathetic, that the US department of state needs to solicit ideas from independent experts on how to improve Pyongyang’s adherence to international norms of behaviour,” said Bruce Klinger, a former CIA analyst at the conservative Heritage Foundation think-tank in Washington, DC. |
| Klinger, who advocates further sanctions against Pyongyang, said that given the scale of the UN report, the Washington had been “remarkably silent” about the actions it intends to take to address human rights in North Korea. | Klinger, who advocates further sanctions against Pyongyang, said that given the scale of the UN report, the Washington had been “remarkably silent” about the actions it intends to take to address human rights in North Korea. |
| Washington’s policy of “strategic patience” – an approach that excludes engagement and dialogue with North Korea until it backs away from its controversial nuclear weapons programme – might help explain the tone of the call. | Washington’s policy of “strategic patience” – an approach that excludes engagement and dialogue with North Korea until it backs away from its controversial nuclear weapons programme – might help explain the tone of the call. |
| At the macro level the grant call here is an excuse for the US government to argue it is doing something on North Korea when in fact it has no political strategy other than what I have called ‘strategic paralysis’ -Hazel Smith | At the macro level the grant call here is an excuse for the US government to argue it is doing something on North Korea when in fact it has no political strategy other than what I have called ‘strategic paralysis’ -Hazel Smith |
| However, other observers cautioned against interpreting the grant call as any statement of US policy on North Korea. | However, other observers cautioned against interpreting the grant call as any statement of US policy on North Korea. |
| “(The) DRL has specific responsibilities and is one bureau in the whole department of state, so this shouldn’t necessarily be seen as representing some sort of broader government policy,” said Sokeel Park, director of research and strategy at Liberty in North Korea (LiNK). | |
| “DRL’s remit is in their name (Democracy, Human Rights and Labor). It’s not all-encompassing, but it’s part of the puzzle,” he added, adding that the call would not be relevant for LiNK as the group does not accept government fundingt. | “DRL’s remit is in their name (Democracy, Human Rights and Labor). It’s not all-encompassing, but it’s part of the puzzle,” he added, adding that the call would not be relevant for LiNK as the group does not accept government fundingt. |
| Greg Scarlatoiu, the executive director of the committee for Human Rights in North Korea, said that “over the years, State/DRL funding has been made available to organisations addressing North Korea from a broad range of angles. | Greg Scarlatoiu, the executive director of the committee for Human Rights in North Korea, said that “over the years, State/DRL funding has been made available to organisations addressing North Korea from a broad range of angles. |
| “This RFP doesn’t discourage certain types of organisations to apply for funding, but simply defines the scope of work that would qualify for funding. This is the case with any type of procurement,” he said. | “This RFP doesn’t discourage certain types of organisations to apply for funding, but simply defines the scope of work that would qualify for funding. This is the case with any type of procurement,” he said. |
| Funds badly needed | Funds badly needed |
| The grant call is nothing new, but indicates changing priorities at the State Department. While previous grant winners could receive funding of up to $3m a year, the ceiling of $350,000 meant that in 2014 “not many ngos can work with this funding,” Bada Nam said. | The grant call is nothing new, but indicates changing priorities at the State Department. While previous grant winners could receive funding of up to $3m a year, the ceiling of $350,000 meant that in 2014 “not many ngos can work with this funding,” Bada Nam said. |
| “There are a lot of brilliant ideas to bring information into North Korea. Lots of ngos are working on this but recently stopped due to financial problems. There is no cost effective way to do this,’ Nam said. | “There are a lot of brilliant ideas to bring information into North Korea. Lots of ngos are working on this but recently stopped due to financial problems. There is no cost effective way to do this,’ Nam said. |
| The private radio station Open Radio for North Korea ended its broadcasts into North Korea earlier this year, apparently due to a grant coming to an end. | The private radio station Open Radio for North Korea ended its broadcasts into North Korea earlier this year, apparently due to a grant coming to an end. |
| “We need more on-the-ground programs. There are things that can be done on the ground, but they are very under-resourced,” said Sokeel Park, noting that the funding environment for North Korea-related ngos in South Korea is often particularly difficult because “it’s so politicised and there’s not a lot of philanthropy directed towards them". | “We need more on-the-ground programs. There are things that can be done on the ground, but they are very under-resourced,” said Sokeel Park, noting that the funding environment for North Korea-related ngos in South Korea is often particularly difficult because “it’s so politicised and there’s not a lot of philanthropy directed towards them". |
| Chad O’Carroll contributed to this report | Chad O’Carroll contributed to this report |
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