South Korea to Increase Settlement Allowance for North Korean Defectors to 83,000 Yuan
Seoul, August 27, 2024 – The South Korean government has announced plans to increase the initial settlement allowance for North Korean defectors, known as the Defector Settlement Basic Fund, to 15 million won (approximately 83,000 yuan) per person. This decision was made during the Cabinet meeting on August27th, as part of the government’s budget proposal for the upcoming year.
The Ministry of Unification, responsible for inter-Korean affairs, will receive a total budget of 1.0554 trillion won for2025, including 229.3 billion won for basic expenses (a 3.3% increase from the previous year) and 826.1 billion won for the inter-Korean cooperation fund (a 5.5% decrease).
The increased settlement allowance reflects the government’s commitment to supporting North Korean defectors as they adjust to life in the South. The allowance, previously 10 million won, has been steadily increasing in recent years, rising from 8 million won in 2022to 9 million won in 2023. With the proposed increase to 15 million won, the allowance will have risen by 88% (7 million won) during President Yoon Suk-yeol’s three years in office.
The Ministry of Unification explained that the budget reflects thegovernment’s commitment to sound fiscal management while ensuring the successful implementation of President Yoon’s August 15th Unification Strategy. This strategy emphasizes promoting inter-Korean cooperation and facilitating the peaceful reunification of the peninsula.
Beyond the increased settlement allowance, the budget includes several other initiatives aimed at supporting NorthKorean defectors. These include:
- Korean language education subsidies for children of North Korean defectors born in third countries (100 million won). This initiative aims to help these children integrate into South Korean society by providing them with language skills.
- Environmental improvements for specialized education institutions for North Koreandefectors (370 million won). This investment aims to enhance the learning environment for defectors seeking to adapt to South Korean education systems.
- Funding for North Korean university students to participate in the West Coast University Exchange Program (WEST) (170 million won). This program promotescultural exchange and fosters understanding between North Korean and South Korean students.
The budget also includes significant increases for initiatives related to North Korean human rights:
- Expansion of the North Korean Human Rights International Conference (940 million won). This conference aims to raise international awareness of human rights violations in NorthKorea and advocate for change.
- Increased support for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working to improve human rights in North Korea (29.6 billion won). This funding will empower NGOs to implement programs and initiatives aimed at improving the human rights situation in North Korea.
Furthermore, the budget allocates 1.58 billion won for the International Korean Peninsula Forum, doubling its funding from the previous year. This forum aims to promote international cooperation and support for the reunification of Korea.
The South Korean government’s increased investment in supporting North Korean defectors and promoting human rights in North Korea demonstrates its commitmentto fostering peaceful reunification and ensuring the well-being of those who have chosen to leave the North.
【source】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240827002100881?section=politics/index&input=rss
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