Description
This study aims to examine refugee policy and its implementation in South Korea through the perspectives of human security and sustainable development. Given the geopolitical condition in the Korean Peninsula, the South Korean government has prioritized North Korean refugees rather than refugees from other nationalities. However, globally recognized refugees are continuously increasing in an unprecedented way due to growing hazardous issues such as climate change, pandemics, and terrorism so forth. The number of applicants for refugee status are sharply increasing in South Korea as well. In this urgency, the traditional security perspective has shown its limits in controlling transnational and intra-conflicts and protect vulnerable victims. The importance of military power is growing for South Korea at the turmoil of current regional dynamics; nevertheless, this study argues that South Korea should broaden its security perspective to nontraditional and human-centered approaches not only for protecting those in perils but also securing regional and international peace in the long term. South Korea gradually developed refugee policies and expanded its focus by following international norms and endeavors of civil societies. However, drawbacks and limitations in practices remain in ensuring freedom from fear for refugees and persons in a refugee-like situation. Also, having equal access to education or vocation is critical for sustainable development. By following global and regional conventions, comprehensive recognition of refugees’ qualifications may guarantee their freedom from want, moreover peace and prosperity.
