North Korea's Economic Crisis Deepens as COVID Restrictions Persist

Human Rights Watch reports that North Korea's stringent COVID-19 measures have severely impacted its economy and people's livelihoods, with trade and movement heavily restricted.

North Korea's COVID-19 border controls and heightened security measures have significantly hampered trade and movement, leading to a deepening economic crisis.
Human Rights Watch highlights the severe impact on informal trade networks and the livelihoods of North Koreans, with defector numbers sharply dropping.
Satellite imagery reveals extensive border fortifications, including expanded fencing and increased security facilities, aimed at preventing cross-border movement.
The crackdown on informal markets and foreign cultural influences, including the distribution of South Korean media, has intensified, with harsh penalties imposed.
Experts warn that North Korea's delayed normalization from COVID-19 and the damage to smuggling networks are exacerbating the country's isolation and economic challenges.