Support Human Rights in North Korea

By Richard Land - Sep 11, 2004 - comment

Our country is poised to make another huge stride for human rights. Last night Senator Bill Frist “hotlined” the North Korean Human Rights Act, HR 4011, to the Senate. This bill was passed unanimously by the House in July. We could see this bill become law in a matter of days!

Only ONE HURDLE remains. Under the rules of the “hotline” procedure, a single objection by any Senator can block this bill.

The most important person to contact is Senator Daschle. As the Minority leader he can deliver the message to his fellow Democrats to approve this bill.

There should be no serious question about the bill itself. This is the same bill that was adopted unanimously by the House. If there were any problems with the bill, someone in the House would have voted against it, but no one did.

If we act now and decisively, we can help start an immediate U.S. effort to bring real relief to millions of persecuted and starving North Koreans.

The North Korean Human Rights Act insists on a transparent system of aid distribution so that we can know that the world’s generosity is not being abused. In their compassion, many of the world’s nations send millions of tons of food and other humanitarian aid to North Korea every year. Yet North Korean refugees still report mass starvation and deprivation in their country. It is obvious that Kim Jong-Il is not distributing the aid to those who need it most.

Our country cannot continue to send aid without requiring accountability. Pyongyang has demonstrated that it does not have the best interests of its citizens in mind. There is widespread evidence that the regime is responsible for terrible acts of brutality against its people. According to a recent BBC documentary, entire North Korean families, including children, have been regularly tortured and executed, while others have had poisonous gases used against them.

Even the government of South Korea supported this bill, that is until Kim Jong-Il objected. Kim Jong-Il’s objection is understandable. He has been free to act like a spoiled child, but now he is being called to account, and he doesn’t like it. He certainly likes our aid. It is time to require accountability. It is time to let the people of North Korea know that we are aware of their desperate plight, and that we will no longer feed Kim Jong-Il and his regime while he starves and deprives the rest of North Korea.

YOU MUST ACT NOW! CALL SENATOR DASCHLE. E-MAIL HIM. TELL HIM THAT YOU WANT THE NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS ACT PASSED BY THE SENATE IMMEDIATELY. You can call him at (202) 224-2321.

All you need to say is: “Please pass The North Korean Human Rights Act, HR 4011.” I hope you will do it today, before anyone registers an objection to this bill.

And while you are doing that, please call your friends and urge them to do the same. Then I urge you to join me in prayer. I believe God will hold us accountable if we fail at this moment of opportunity. Spread the word, pray, and contact Senator Daschle and other key Senate leaders right now. Let’s bring real help to millions of starving, abandoned North Koreans.

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