탈북민 신변보호제도 문제점과 발전 방향 연구

Abstract

As of December 2023, over 34,000 North Korean defectors have arrived in South Korea. To assist these defectors in their initial settlement, the South Korean government has implemented various programs, with the personal protection program playing a crucial role in ensuring their safety and integrating them into daily life. However, this program has faced a range of challenges since its inception. It’s essential to acknowledge that the difficulties surrounding the personal protection program for North Korean defectors are significant and have widespread implications for society. Therefore, addressing and improving these issues is an urgent priority. The purpose of this paper is to outline a direction of development for enhancing the personal protection program for North Korean defectors by addressing its core issues. First, it’s essential to overhaul the legal framework governing the personal protection program. This revision must aim to provide clear and definitive legal basis for both the personal protection officers and the defectors themselves. Second, the Ministry of Unification, which is responsible for these matters, must reform and bolster its operational system for personal protection to actively manage and strategically develop policies related to this area. Third, intensifying the educational efforts on the personal protection program within Hanawon’s social adaptation courses can help dispel any existing prejudices and clear up misunderstandings, increasing the overall comprehension of the program.