Thousands of North Korean women have fled the extreme poverty and oppression in their home country only to be caught by Chinese traffickers. These women are often forced into prostitution or marriages with Chinese men in a process of human trafficking that has come to be regarded as modern day slavery. The women are raped repeatedly by traffickers and buyers, and are often expected to perform hard labor. Some estimate that as many as 50,000 North Korean women have now been bought and sold into new lives in China.

As an ally of North Korea, the Chinese government does not recognize these border-crossers as refugees. As a result, these women can be sent back to North Korea if they are caught, where they will most likely face further punishment. Although some local Chinese municipalities are beginning to recognize the problem, the central administration largely ignores issue. Though some make attempts to flee, most do not feel they have the option to resist. These women are held hostage by the poverty of their new situation, and many simply do not know where they are or where to turn for help.

Traffickers Prey on North Korean Women Fleeing to China-VOA News