A comprehensive joint report published by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies and the George W. Bush Institute has shed light on severe human rights abuses and trafficking involving North Korean laborers at a Russian drone manufacturing facility. The investigation details how as many as 12,000 North Korean workers are deployed at the Yelabuga plant in Tatarstan, where they are subjected to state-sanctioned forced labor amid expanding military production involving Russia, North Korea, China, and Iran.

According to the findings, the Russian regime secures access to thousands of drones monthly for its military operations, while China acts as the principal supplier of dual-use components, including critical electronics, batteries, and navigation systems. Iran has previously supplied Shahed drones, helping Moscow develop upgraded domestic variants known as Geran. Meanwhile, the North Korean authorities allegedly retain up to 90% of the laborers' wages under rigid state-to-state arrangements, a practice that human rights advocates characterize as modern-day slavery. *

Analysts point out that both Moscow and Pyongyang are openly defying United Nations Security Council Resolution 2397, adopted in December 2017, which mandates the repatriation of all North Korean overseas workers. Observers note that international enforcement remains virtually impossible due to the geopolitical alignment of Russia and China, both permanent members of the UN Security Council who dismiss restrictions. Experts warn that this growing axis is undermining the post-World War II international order centered on the rule of law and human rights.

Furthermore, the report raises alarm over the possibility that North Korea is acquiring hands-on technical expertise regarding advanced weaponry and drone manufacturing through its deployed workers. To counter these violations, the joint report calls on the US regime and international partners to disrupt human trafficking networks, sanction responsible entities, and pressure foreign corporations operating within the Yelabuga special economic zone to withdraw immediately.

Source: www.dw.com