North Korea Freedom Week is Just Around the Corner: April 22-29

By Chadd Hodges - Apr 17, 2007 - 1

North Korea Torture

Photo of North Korean attempting to enter embassy to escape being forcefully sent back to North Korea to face torture, imprisonment and even execution.

Many countries throughout the world are concerned with North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and capabilities, and rightly so. But at the same time, many countries are unaware of North Korea’s human rights violations against its own citizens. Every day, thousands of North Koreans are tortured and persecuted in unconscionable ways by Kim Jong Il’s regime. In fact, it is estimated that 2 million North Koreans have perished under North Korea’s brutal dictatorship in the past decade. Many of these victims were subjected to torture, forced labor in concentration camps, medical and chemical experiments, forced abortions, infanticide, and starvation. In order to escape these atrocities, North Koreans seek asylum in nearby countries like China. Oftentimes, though, those seeking freedom are forced by Chinese officials to return to North Korea, where they are imprisoned and sometimes executed.

Since 2003, the North Korea Freedom Coalition (NKFC) has attempted to raise public awareness and work with organizations and government entities to help North Koreans achieve dignity, human rights, and religious freedom. The coalition was a major force behind the passage of the North Korea Human Rights Act of 2004 in Congress and is continuing to help ensure that it is fully implemented. The coalition sponsors events, hearings, and press conferences throughout the year to help achieve its goals.

The coalition’s biggest event of the year is just around the corner, and all who want to help the coalitions efforts are invited to join and take part in standing for the freedom and human rights of the North Korean people. On April 28, the NKFC is sponsoring the International Protest Against China’s Violent Treatment of North Korea Refugees. People all around the world will be gathering at China’s embassies to protest and ask the Chinese government to change its policies regarding the repatriation of North Korean refugees. In Washington, D.C., former refugees, their rescuers, and organization leaders are joining outside the Chinese embassy to protest and raise awareness about the plight of North Koreans. The rally starts at noon on Saturday, April 28 and will take place not only in Washington, D.C., but in Los Angeles, Houston, and New York City.

In addition to these rallies, Congressional hearings, panel discussions, a forum, a prayer service, and an exhibit will take place during April 22-29. For more information about North Korea Freedom Week and the coalition, go to www.nkfreedom.org. Please join us in prayer and support for the NKFC and the suffering people of North Korea.

Further Learning

Learn more about: Citizenship, Human Rights, Religious Liberty

1 comments (post your own) feed

1 On Apr 23rd, 2007, at 9:13am, Schallmo wrote:

Chadd,

I am intrigued by your editorial.
It is great to see what your interests are.
I was deeply involved with a human trafficking
organization in college, and it is interesting and good to see the current awareness and push for assisting the North Korean people.

God Bless,

Jonathan Schallmo

Post a Comment




Notify me of follow-up comments?

Before You Submit Your Comment (below), Read This:

Thank you for your interest in the ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (SBC).

Comments are moderated to preserve the family-oriented nature of this website and in an attempt to avoid comment spam. We welcome opposing viewpoints, and we will not turn comments away as long as your views are presented with respect to everyone.

Your comments will not appear immediately and are subject to editing or deletion. We will make every attempt to check new comments in a timely manner, though there will likely be delays on the weekends and around holidays.

Please follow the these guidelines to insure your comments will be posted:

  1. Use a real name, at least a real first name. We find folks are less-rude online when not hiding behind a screen-name.
  2. Name-calling and vulgar-language will not be tolerated. Zero-tolerance is our policy. We will not spend time editing profanity. If it contains foul language, your post will be deleted. Oh, and we decide what is and what is not vulgar.
  3. Comments must be on topic. General comments (compliments, complaints, and otherwise) are best delivered here or expressed on your own personal Web site.
  4. And please, do not type in ALL CAPS. It looks like you're screaming at people.

Additionally, within Baptist polity, please recognize that many issues and decisions are addressed at a local church level. SBC denominational (national) offices have no control and desire no control over the activities of a local church. This entity is not responsible for overseeing and insuring the ethical behavior of Southern Baptist pastors or church members. If your concern involves a legal civil or criminal matter, we suggest you contact the proper local officials.

Issues involving pastoral staff or other church members, local Baptist associations or state Baptist conventions are local issues. Therefore the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission cannot and should not address such issues. While we regret we are unable to assist you, we encourage you to seek a biblical resolution of the issue at the local church level. If your question or submission pertains to a matter covered in this text, it is likely we will not acknowledge your submission.

Other than that, we welcome you and hope to see thoughtful discussions at ERLC.com