Post by:
Sherri Sturgeon
As I was
leaving South Korea this summer, my mind was brought back to the intricate
needlework that is a tradition on this little peninsula. Dating back centuries,
this beautiful art is one originally displayed on the tapestries of royal
families, but today finds its way to the streets of Insadong where artists
showcase their talents in hopes some passerby will appreciate their artistry
and buy their works. A funny thing to think of after a summer spent knee-dip in
research on varying international topics, yet somehow, a fitting analogy. You
see, each of these delicate works of art requires signal strands, intentionally
and thoughtfully placed over and over until a beautiful piece of artwork
emerges. This was precisely how I felt this summer at Handong International Law
School – I was a thread placed with care and intentionality in the tapestry of
human rights work, fulfilling a role that without, the piece would be askew –
not quite complete.
I had the
privilege of playing a role – being a thread – in several substantial issues
this summer. One issue revolved around the rights for persons with disabilities
in North Korea. North Korea is well-known for its issues in protecting the
basic human rights of its citizens as well as its apprehension towards engaging
the international community. What is lesser known is its positive attempts to
seek to protect the rights of its citizens. In one such effort, the “Hermit
Kingdom” ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities. In ratifying this convention, North Korea came into agreement in
an unprecedented manner with the international community in seeking to protect
the rights of persons with disabilities. My research focused on the progress
they have made, according to their own reports, reports from the UN, as well as
eye-witness reports from refugees. While their efforts have not been perfect,
it is shocking and positive to see North Korea interact with the international
community in this arena and make positive efforts to protect its citizens. This
evaluation of codified law in conjunction with implemented programs evolved
into a report that will hopefully be published, having the potential of being put
into the hands of policy makers who can help further North Korea’s efforts to
protect its citizens. Though just a thread, this small effort may play a bigger
role in a tapestry of hope for the people of North Korea. 
I further
had the opportunity to do research regarding the adoption of South Korean
children by American families living in South Korea. Adoption is a complicated
issue in South Korea as the government has restricted the adoption of South Korean
children by foreigners. Unfortunately, this has led to an increase in orphans
as adoption of Korean children by South Koreans is incredibly uncommon. As a
result, most adoptions of South Korean children occur through agency adoptions,
which is a very defined, expensive process, and limited by the South Korean
government. As a result, many children are unable to be adopted, continuing
through the governmental system until they reach the age of majority, where
they are vulnerable to homelessness and trafficking. My research this summer
was part of a bigger work to develop an adoption manual which will seek to help
American families residing in South Korea to adopt a South Korean child. This
traditionally has been impossible but through a relatively unknown part of
South Korean law, this is becoming a possibility for families, paving a way for
orphans to find love and safety in a family. One question the courts look to in
this “private adoption” process is whether these children, in being adopted by
American families, will be able to become U.S. citizens. Researching the depths
of U.S. law in regards to how to citizenship is acquired and specifically the bars
to citizenship was an exhausting and enlightening process. Given the current
climate surrounding immigration in our nation, my research into the depths of
immigration law was fascinating to me and has further shifted my plans for my
2L year as I seek to learn more about this field and the manner in which
immigration laws intersect with basic human rights.
I am
thankful to have been a tiny thread in the bigger tapestry of human rights work
this summer. I learned so much through this opportunity, grew in my capacity,
and was exposed to issues that have broadened my perspective on my career moving forward. Though I have no
idea what significance my part in this immense field may have, every thread, no
matter how big or small, is a necessary part of a beautiful tapestry. I am
grateful for the opportunity to be a thread this summer, placed with
intentionality, and for the opportunity to glimpse the bigger purpose each
small stitch can have in seeing that all are treated with equal value and
dignity.
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