Give Life and Hope to a North Korean Refugee

Please note: for security reasons of the rescue operations, the names of the places are not revealed.

In 2017, NKHR has rescued a total of 83 North Korean refugees. Giving priority aid to vulnerable women, children, and those who are at risk of execution if repatriated back to North Korea, NKHR assisted the refugees’ journey to South Korea through third countries providing humanitarian assistance. The rescue missions are conducted by trusted local activists in the third countries, with the relief funds collected by NKHR to provide humanitarian assistance and the safe passage.

This December, NKHR Team consisting of officers, senior management and consultant joined a mission to observe the rescue situation of North Korean refugees in a Southeast Asian country under the guidance of local activists. While assisting with the rescue work, and observing humanitarian situation on the ground, they had the opportunity to experience what North Koreans go through firsthand on the escape routes.

NKHR Team arrived at the destination country on December 4^th, 2017. One team waited for North Korean refugees at the final destination where North Koreans undertake relevant administrative procedures to be admitted into South Korea. The other team moved to a city where the refugees pass on the way to the final destination. They had to ride a bus without air conditioner in uncomfortable seats for 9 hours to reach the meeting point. The bus was filled with people, with every isle fully occupied, and the driver continuously made stops to take as many passengers as possible. NKHR’s consultant Sungju said, “The road was bumpy that I felt sick.” All the participating officers mentioned that they could not even imagine how North Korean refugees endure more than 70 hours in such conditions; all while fearing that they could be caught and repatriated back to North Korea.

While waiting for the arrival of the North Korean refugees, the second team bought clothes, shoes and food for the refugees and explored the nearby jungle. When North Korean refugees cross the border with China or with South East Asian countries, they often have to move in extreme conditions all whilst under incredible emotional pressure from the possibility of arrest and without any guidance, enough food or clothing. Our Team was required to cut branches in order to move forward and had to climb up the cliff with their bare hands. Recalling this experience, NKHR’s officer said that “it was very tough even though we had a reliable guide who could lead us”.

Both teams and North Korean refugees met each other on December 6^th, and after having sometime for conversation, NKHR officers guided the North Korean refugees to a secure shelter where they could take required safe procedures to enter into South Korea.

Through this mission, three North Korean women and a 3-year-old boy were rescued.

One of the rescued women confessed that she had hidden potassium cyanide in her hair and carried it with her throughout the journey to commit suicide in case of an arrest. Many North Korean refugees do so fearing torture, execution and potential danger for their families back in North Korea in case they are repatriated.

There are countless, voiceless people who are still suffering in North Korea and disappear during their journey to seek freedom. NKHR continues to speak up for them and to protect the lives and human rights of the North Korean people.