By Lee Kyung-min
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recommended Monday that the government allow civic groups to continue sending propaganda leaflets to North Korea because banning their activities would infringe on their freedom of speech.
The agency said it will send a letter to the Ministry of Unification expressing its opinion about the anti-North Korea groups sending leaflets across the inter-Korean border.
“Sending leaflets is a form of expression of ideas protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),” an NHRC spokesman said.
The commission’s recommendation may add fuel to the conflict over the sending of the leaflets.
While conservative groups say it is the only way to “enlighten” the people in the North and promote revolution, residents in the border area vehemently oppose the idea claiming such activities will provoke North Korea.
Some critics say the NHRC’s position on the leaflet campaign is discriminatory against other politically sensitive issues.
In October, seven conservative groups held a rally in front of the government building in Jongno, downtown Seoul, vowing to continue their efforts to send the leaflets via balloons.
“We will not give up at our sincere attempt to make North Korea a democratic country. We know and believe it is the only way to dismantle the despotic totalitarian regime,” one member said.
“We know that border-area residents fear a possible North Korean attack, but we believe breaking the inhumane system there is more important.”
In response, leftist civic groups said sending the leaflets to the North only exacerbates the already strained and precarious North-South relations.
“Sending leaflets only provokes the North. If they decide to attack us, who in the world will take responsibility for our safety? If a war did break out, it would only lead to the sacrifice of civilians. Many people from the South only want to live in peace, not having to worry about a worst-case scenario of such a military conflict,” another member said.
“The government should actively ban those who keep provoking the North by sending the leaflets.”