Freedom Speakers International has been asked to support a South Korean delegation visiting North Korean POWs in Ukraine.
Read their appeal:
At this very moment, in the midst of war, two young North Korean men stand at the crossroads between life and death. They are North Korean soldiers captured during the war in Ukraine.
But they are not simply prisoners of war.
They have spoken for themselves:
“If we return to North Korea, we will be killed—not only us, but
three generations of our families will be wiped out.”
They have also clearly expressed their will:
to go to South Korea or a third country.
This fact has already been reported by international media, and both Russia and North Korea—parties to the war—are aware of it.
“Repatriation could mean execution.”
This issue is not merely a diplomatic matter.
It is clearly a matter of life and human rights.
Under the North Korean system, “prisoners” are not protected—they are labeled as “traitors.”
In particular:
Public contact with media from hostile countries
Expression of free will
Connection with the outside world
These actions are highly likely, under North Korea’s judicial system, to result in execution or forced detention in political prison camps.
The International Community Must Now Move to the “Next Step”
On March 23, 2026,
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense officially stated that these
individuals are being considered as persons protected under the
principle of non-refoulement.
This represents an important step in line with international legal standards.
However, it is still not enough.
They are currently still classified as “prisoners of war,” and therefore remain at risk of being included in prisoner exchanges during ceasefire or negotiation processes.
What is needed now is clear:
They must not remain in the status of prisoners of war, but
instead be recognized as individuals protected under
international law—
in other words, their status must be changed to refugees or
persons under international protection.
That Is Why We Are Taking Action
Led by the South Korean human rights organization Korea
Reunification Solidarity,
North Korean defectors and human rights activists around the
world have come together to launch the:
“Emergency Committee for the Free Repatriation of North Korean Soldiers”
At present, upon official invitation from local Ukrainian human
rights organizations,
a South Korean human rights delegation is planning to visit
Ukraine in person.
Key Objectives of This Mission
Confirm the free will of the captured North Korean soldiers and
advocate for their registration under international
protection
Establish a protection framework in cooperation with
international organizations and local NGOs
Build international solidarity to hold North Korea accountable
for war crimes and human rights violations
Lay the legal groundwork to prevent forced repatriation
Activities in a war zone involve significant risks and
costs.
The delegation is prepared to take full responsibility and travel
to Ukraine despite these dangers.
However, this mission cannot be achieved by the determination of
a few alone.
Your participation can save lives.
What is needed now is not something grand.
Your small action
can become
a chance to live—for someone else.
All donations you provide will be used to support the delegation’s visit to Ukraine.
Please join us in saving the lives of these two young men.
