The EU, North Korea and the shifting global discourse on human rights

Abstract

This chapter argues that considering North Korea’s isolation, the absence of political dialogue and the partial failure of its “critical engagement,” the European Union (EU) has been limited in engaging North Korea. The ongoing global geopolitical power transition is challenging the EU’s efforts, whereby emerging countries, in particular China, North Korea’s sole ally, are promoting alternative views. The chapter outlines the status of human rights in the country including international NGOs and organizations in South Korea and examined by the relevant UN mechanisms, given the restrictions on access for independent human rights monitors. It assesses the EU’s “critical engagement” policy on North Korea concerning human rights in light of its fragmentation and in the midst of a global power transition. The chapter examines the implications of a global political climate divided on the concept of human rights on the EU’s North Korea policy.