Tucna wants answers on North KoreansSays a full investigation is required While Tucna has called for full disclosure on the details of North Korean workers in Namibia, it has also asked that they be protected. The Trade Union Congress of Namibia (Tucna) has urged government to investigate how many North Koreans are working in Namibia. The union's secretary-general Mahongora Kavihuha said President Hage Geingob and the labour ministry must be transparent and tell the nation how many working visas have been issued to North Koreans in the country.
The ministry of international relations last month said all North Korean nationals have left Namibia as part of the implementation of the UN Security Council sanction resolutions against that country. In an open letter addressed to Geingob, Tucna demanded to know how many visas were issued per year, for which sector, region and company. Kavihuha yesterday said the union also wants all joint ventures with North Korean entities and individuals investigated and terminated.
Tucna further demands that information be provided on the measures taken with regards to the renewal and extension of work visas for North Korean migrant workers and how government can stop the further issuance of visas.
The union's demands come in the aftermath of recent headlines in both local and international media about North Korea's construction projects in Namibia.
It is alleged that North Korea has been sending labourers to Namibia to build military facilities and other structures. The activities breach UN Security Council resolutions against North Korea. Namibia is one of several African countries alleged to have supported North Korea's nuclear programme by funding various projects undertaken by Mansudae Overseas Projects, ranging from munitions factories, State House and apartments.
Mansudae, which was constructing Namibia's defence ministry's new headquarters, has been linked by UN investigators to alleged weapons exporters, Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation (Komid).
According to the UN, Namibia contracted North Korean workers and state companies to construct a munitions factory, which is a clear violation of UN sanctions imposed for nearly a decade. Kavihuha said North Korean workers who are still present in the country must be provided with humanitarian protection and offered equal treatment. The union also called on companies to investigate forced labour of North Korean workers, saying justice must be ensured for these workers. According to Kavihuha, this is a serious human and labour rights violation that has evolved into a critical international security issue.
He said the union together with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) reject recourse to war to resolve conflict and condemns terrorism, colonialism and militarism as well as racism and tribalism. Kavihuha said in recent months there has been an increase in North Korea's weapons activity programme.
“Universal condemnation has led to the unanimously adopted UN Security Council Resolution imposing further economic sanctions on North Korea.”
According to him, this should de-escalate tensions and push the North Korean regime to abandon its nuclear programmes and open dialogue for a diplomatic solution.
However, in the absence of real enforcement, North Korea's tiny ruling elite will continue to generate enough revenue through trade to maintain its nuclear arms programme, said Kavihuha.
According to him, for many years an important source of wealth for the North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-un and his family and the ruling elite has been the income of North Koreans working abroad.
“The workers are kept in conditions of absolute slavery, working in construction, mining and other sectors. Their wages are taken by the regime and only a tiny portion is left for them and their families.”
In 2015, the UN Special Rapporteur's report on the situation of human rights in North Korea estimated that around 50 000 North Korean migrant workers operate abroad in about 40 countries.
ELLANIE SMIT
The ministry of international relations last month said all North Korean nationals have left Namibia as part of the implementation of the UN Security Council sanction resolutions against that country. In an open letter addressed to Geingob, Tucna demanded to know how many visas were issued per year, for which sector, region and company. Kavihuha yesterday said the union also wants all joint ventures with North Korean entities and individuals investigated and terminated.
Tucna further demands that information be provided on the measures taken with regards to the renewal and extension of work visas for North Korean migrant workers and how government can stop the further issuance of visas.
The union's demands come in the aftermath of recent headlines in both local and international media about North Korea's construction projects in Namibia.
It is alleged that North Korea has been sending labourers to Namibia to build military facilities and other structures. The activities breach UN Security Council resolutions against North Korea. Namibia is one of several African countries alleged to have supported North Korea's nuclear programme by funding various projects undertaken by Mansudae Overseas Projects, ranging from munitions factories, State House and apartments.
Mansudae, which was constructing Namibia's defence ministry's new headquarters, has been linked by UN investigators to alleged weapons exporters, Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation (Komid).
According to the UN, Namibia contracted North Korean workers and state companies to construct a munitions factory, which is a clear violation of UN sanctions imposed for nearly a decade. Kavihuha said North Korean workers who are still present in the country must be provided with humanitarian protection and offered equal treatment. The union also called on companies to investigate forced labour of North Korean workers, saying justice must be ensured for these workers. According to Kavihuha, this is a serious human and labour rights violation that has evolved into a critical international security issue.
He said the union together with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) reject recourse to war to resolve conflict and condemns terrorism, colonialism and militarism as well as racism and tribalism. Kavihuha said in recent months there has been an increase in North Korea's weapons activity programme.
“Universal condemnation has led to the unanimously adopted UN Security Council Resolution imposing further economic sanctions on North Korea.”
According to him, this should de-escalate tensions and push the North Korean regime to abandon its nuclear programmes and open dialogue for a diplomatic solution.
However, in the absence of real enforcement, North Korea's tiny ruling elite will continue to generate enough revenue through trade to maintain its nuclear arms programme, said Kavihuha.
According to him, for many years an important source of wealth for the North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-un and his family and the ruling elite has been the income of North Koreans working abroad.
“The workers are kept in conditions of absolute slavery, working in construction, mining and other sectors. Their wages are taken by the regime and only a tiny portion is left for them and their families.”
In 2015, the UN Special Rapporteur's report on the situation of human rights in North Korea estimated that around 50 000 North Korean migrant workers operate abroad in about 40 countries.
ELLANIE SMIT