An Affront to Freedom: The U.S. Betrays its Own Ideals with North Korean Travel Prohibition
A Seventh Year of Disgrace: The Unjustifiable Prolongation of the North Korea Travel Ban.
The United States government should not impose any travel bans on its citizens, regardless of the destination. Most Americans would agree with this statement, at first, at least.
In stark contrast to its global posture as a beacon of freedom and democracy, the U.S. State Department forcefully entrenches its restrictive stance by extending the North Korea travel ban for an unprecedented seventh year, put into effect September 1st. From the Trump era to the present Biden administration, bipartisan concord is strikingly visible in one notable, albeit unconstitutional, area: restricting Americans’ global mobility.
The travel ban to North Korea, initially imposed in 2017 following the tragic case of Otto Warmbier, witnessed a continuation under Biden, asserting a unified, albeit controversial, stance across both presidencies on restricting international travel for U.S. citizens. This unwarranted prohibition unequivocally undermines multiple human rights dimensions, staunchly confronting the inherent right to free movement.
A Brazen Breach of Fundamental Human Rights
Firstly, by perpetuating the travel ban, the United States tramples upon the undeniable right to freedom of movement, as stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Every citizen inherently possesses the autonomy to traverse international borders, facilitating indispensable personal, professional, and educational enrichment. The categorical refusal to allow U.S. citizens to travel to North Korea constitutes a blatant defiance of this universal entitlement.
Suffocating Diplomatic Progress and Global Cohesion
This inflexible ban indisputably deteriorates the tenuous diplomatic relations between the U.S. and North Korea, eschewing potential avenues toward a peaceful and cooperative future. The U.S. dramatically participates in perpetuating a detrimental cycle of mistrust and diplomatic enervation by hindering citizen-level interactions and invaluable cultural exchanges. Over the past seven years, the U.S. has only engaged the DPRK with a military-first-and-only approach by preventing average, albeit professional and experienced, Americans from continuing their bridge-building efforts (some dating back over three decades) more akin to a totalitarian government than that of a free people.
Impeding Vital Humanitarian Initiatives
Humanitarian efforts, critical to mitigating ongoing struggles within North Korea, are harshly obstructed by this persistent travel restriction, now approaching a decade. The constraint upon humanitarian organizations and individuals who aim to enhance living conditions within North Korea is not only counterproductive but morally indefensible.
A Blow to the Emblem of Democratic Ideals
As a nation that purports to exemplify democratic values and freedoms, implementing such stifling travel restrictions manifestly contravenes the principles the U.S. ostensibly champions. By replicating practices like those in authoritarian regimes, the U.S. dilutes its global standing as a paradigm of liberty and autonomy.
Quashing Academic Exploration and Advancement
Furthermore, the extended ban unequivocally smothers academic liberties, thwarting scholars, researchers, and students from conducting in-situ studies essential for a holistic understanding of North Korean history, culture, and society. Obfuscating on-ground realities and first-hand experiences stymies intellectual progress and international comprehension.
Violating Religious Liberties
In addition to these flagrant transgressions, the ongoing ban also infringes upon religious rights, particularly affecting Christians who, per their faith's tenets, are commissioned by Jesus Christ to go to all nations. The imposition of a travel ban restricts their religious exercise, undermining their freedom to practice faith without hindrance, a freedom the United States has historically strived to preserve.
In summary, . . .
. . . the extension of the North Korean travel ban exemplifies a hardline stance that blatantly affronts diverse facets of human rights, ranging from fundamental freedoms of movement to the unrestricted practice of one's faith. As an entity historically touted the virtues of liberty, democracy, and religious freedom, the U.S. must rectify this position, ensuring its policies genuinely reflect the principles it has vowed to uphold, primarily freedom.
It is paramount that the U.S. government reassess this directive, exploring alternative strategies that safeguard both its citizens' rights and national security, fostering a future that genuinely champions freedom in all its forms. Travel bans on American citizens are a violation of our fundamental rights and freedoms.
We must call on our elected officials to lift all travel bans and protect our rights by voting out representatives who support and advocate for any human rights violations to freely travel the world.
An unchallenged, seven-year international travel ban on Americans sets a precarious precedent; if citizens passively accept global mobility restrictions now, we implicitly pave the way for potential domestic travel limitations in the future. Our acceptance of one naturally tees up the other, imperiling our inherent right to freely traverse both foreign lands and our homeland alike.
Note: This argument understands the essentiality of considering all aspects, including safety, security, and diplomatic consequences, in robust policy-making, even as it emphasizes a staunch perspective on human rights and religious freedom, considering the author has lived, worked, and been involved in diplomatic efforts on the Korean Peninsula (North and South) now over several presidential administrations.