For desperate North Koreans in search of a stable asylum, Mongolia has been an optional route they could take to reach that safety. By no means has it been an easy and comfortable stroll on the red carpet. Harsh weather and uncultured geography of Mongolia posed as life-threatening obstacles to refugees lacking the resources and knowledge to sustain themselves in a strange land for an indeterminable period. An outcome more daunting than Nature´s obstruction was capture by Mongolian border guards who may kick them out, or in other words back to China. Nevertheless, Mongolia has attracted quite a few North Korean refugees and humanitarian aid workers trying to save them.

The main reason for this attraction was Mongolia´s official policy on North Korean refugee problem. Unlike the neighboring China, Mongolia was relatively tolerant of North Koreans seeking asylum in accordance with the international refugee laws. At the time a US-based NGO had received an encouraging letter from a Mongolian diplomat, who confirmed: “there has not been, until now, any incident/s of forceful expelling of North Korean refugees found in Mongolia.” He had further added: “I can assure you that Mongolia as a respected member of U.N., would gladly cooperate with UNHCR and other international community, and their respective endeavors.” The only impediment for Mongolia to embracing more North Korean refugees, confessed the diplomat, was an economy too weak to support “a large influx of refugees.”

That policy seems to have drastically shifted according to an article in Joong Ang Ilbo dated May 23 (see above Mongolian government out to block out N.K. defectors). In reference to unauthorized entry of North Koreans into Mongolian territory, a Mongolian official firmly stated: “Our government will no longer tolerate with such illegal acts,” and the strength of his words was demonstrated in the official request from Mongolia to China for measures to stop the trail of North Korean refugees entering Mongolia via China.

This move made by Mongolian authorities is a proof that the North Korea – China – Mongolia refugee trail continues and to a degree that aggravates the Mongolian government. This move is also proof of how fragile North Korean refugees and refugees in general are to political interests and maneuvers of states.

As conscious citizens of the world we encourage the Mongolian government to return to its old policy of adherence to international laws concerning refugees. It is the least a responsible member of the international community should do for people who really have no other choice.