North Korean Defector Reveals Severe Discrimination Against Disabled

Maeng Hyo-shim, a North Korean defector, has shed light on the harsh reality faced by individuals with disabilities in North Korea. Maeng's mother, a paraplegic, endured insulting name-calling and received no state welfare support, ultimately driving the family to defect from the country in 2018.

According to Maeng's account, her mother's disability subjected the family to severe prejudice and discrimination within North Korean society. "My mother was called degrading names and treated as less than human because of her condition," Maeng revealed. The lack of assistance from the state further compounded their struggles, leaving them with no choice but to seek a better life elsewhere.

Why this matters: Maeng's story highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and action regarding the rights and well-being of people with disabilities in North Korea. Her experience emphasizes the importance of international efforts to promote inclusivity and equality for all individuals, regardless of their physical or mental abilities.

The decision to defect was not an easy one for Maeng and her family, but the unrelenting discrimination and absence of support left them with few options. "We had to leave our home and everything we knew behind, but it was the only way to escape the constant humiliation and hardship," Maeng explained. Their journey to freedom serves as a demonstration of the resilience and determination of those who dare to seek a better future, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Maeng's revelations provide a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by North Koreans with disabilities and their families. Her story emphasizes the urgent need for increased international attention and advocacy to address the systemic discrimination and lack of support for this vulnerable population within North Korea.

Key Takeaways

• North Korean defector Maeng Hyo-shim's mother, a paraplegic, faced severe discrimination.
• The family received no state welfare support, leading them to defect in 2018.
• Maeng's story highlights the urgent need to address rights of disabled in North Korea.
• Defecting was difficult, but the only way to escape constant humiliation and hardship.
• Maeng's story provides a rare glimpse into challenges faced by North Koreans with disabilities.