There have been numerous reports that as many as 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Kursk in Russia. The North Korean Supreme leader, Kim Jong-un was quoted as referring to the deployed troops as “heroes and representatives of the honor of the motherland.” However, what has been revealed about the ‘fallen North Korean troops’ by recent news is really “shocking”. The recent news revealed that the North Korean government has refused to repatriate the remains of its soldiers who were deployed and later killed in Kursk. It is attempting to preserve the bodies using a controversial freeze-drying method known as “promession”. Aren’t such behaviours or conduct of Kim Jong-un a betrayal of his people and army? Do such actions go with the relevant international human instruments when they disregard the basic human dignity?
According to the Tanzania Times(North Korea attempting to freeze bodies of soldiers killed in the Russia-Ukraine War, April 26, 2025)”The North Korean regime has refused to repatriate the bodies of its soldiers who were unlawfully deployed and subsequently killed on the battlefield at Kursk”.”The North Korean regime has shown an utter lack of respect for its own fallen by refusing to repatriate them and instead engaging in an unprecedented and morally reprehensible attempt to freeze-dry their remains.”
One could raise an allegation against Kim Jong-un for his brutal behaviour or conduct towards the North Korean troops sent to the illegal war. Since he does not own the North Korean people, including the North Korean Army, he behaved in a manner that rigorously undermined the honour, dignity and prestige of the North Korean Army or troops. As the North Korean regime did/does not have any respect forthe rights of its people, it has always been afraid of the potential civil unrest. According to Korean JoongAng Daily(North Korea’s Ukraine war dead on ice as Kim regime considers options, 27 Feb, 2025, LIM JEONG-WON) “A North Korean soldier captured in Ukraine recently described in a media interview the incomplete body of a fellow soldier who had blown himself up on orders from his superiors before being captured. There have also been numerous reports that the faces of dead North Korean soldiers were mutilated to prevent identification. The South Korean authorities have determined that North Korean authorities are distributing certificates of war to the families of deceased North Korean soldiers, and many analysts predict that if bodies in such terrible condition were handed over, the possibility of internal unrest or public discontent could be greater than expected.” One could argue that North Korea’s refusal to take care of the deceased soldiers’ bodies could be considered as an indication of leader Kim Jong-un’s priority of the remuneration he receives for the troop deployments over the rights of his people.
We are aware of some great nations where people, including the army or troops, live with their highest honour, prestige and dignity, and where the remains of the fallen soldiers are handled with great care, honour and dignity. Let me go for an example, in the 1960s, the US had negotiated with North Korea to repatriate the remains of American soldiers from the Korean War. This commitment surely increases the morale and patriotism of troops or the army.
North Korea is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Its conduct or behaviour should be in line with the relevant provisions of this human rights instrument. With regard to basic human dignity, I would briefly state the relevant provisions of ICCPR.The ICCPR, through its emphasis on the inherent right to life (Article 6) and the duty to respect the dignity of all persons (Article 10), implies a respect for human dignity that extends to deceased individuals. While not explicitly mentioning the treatment of dead bodies, the covenant’s core principles necessitate that States ensure the remains of the deceased are treated with dignity and respect. This includes preventing despoilment, preserving personal effects, and facilitating the identification and return of remains to families. Considering the present situation, one could conclude that North Korea is far away from its obligations that come under the ICCPR.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is known as the law of battle field. IHL also addresses the treatment of the dead, requiring parties to armed conflict to take all possible measures to prevent despoilment and ensure the remains are handled with dignity.
One could argue that the dead bodies of the troops have an impact on their families.The treatment of deceased individuals directly impacts the rights of their families, including their right to mourning, closure, and to have the deceased properly identified and returned. The lack of access to the body, mutilation, or destruction of the body can cause significant suffering and can be equated, sometimes, to torture.
Although North Korea is an isolated country, and likes to be so, it has already been a party to some international human rights instruments, including ICCPR. It should not have the freedom to behave or conduct to its people including its troops in the particular manner that does not go with the international relevant human rights instruments. It is expected that the international community would come forward to force North Korea to bring its actions in line with the relevant international human rights instruments.
The writer is a barrister-at-law, human rights activist and an advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh