Give Life and Hope to a North Korean Refugee

We are happy to report that since the beginning of this year, we have been able to assist 19 refugees in reaching safety. Some of them have already entered South Korea, others are under refugee protection and will enter South Korea very soon. Once they enter South Korea, it will be at least 6 more months until we can hear from them again. During these 6 months, they will go through an investigation and then special government resettlement programs, which will prepare them for adjusting to their new lives in South Korea.

So far this year, we have received over US $1,200 in donations from our generous Global Giving donors. Every dollar goes to rescuing women and children; this costs, on average, $2,000 per person.

We have received a few letters from the field from refugees whom we are helping, who have reached a safe third country and are now asking for asylum in South Korea. Here is a letter from Ee-yok, which we share with you, thanking you for giving life and hope to people like her.

"Earlier this March, I sent you a letter in desperation asking for help. While still recovering from a serious medical condition, I left North Korea hoping to avoid starvation. However, I did not know that in China a series of tragedies were awaiting me. I was sold into human trafficking, forced into multiple marriages, and in my third marriage suffered domestic violence. My lack of legal status in China made it almost impossible for me to escape these situations. After enduring years of psychological, verbal and physical abuse, my dream became to go to the Republic of Korea and not pass these miseries on to my children.

Now I am glad to tell you that I, my two children and four other North Korean refugees were able to reach a South-East Asian country safely and wait for our departure to South Korea. In a few months, I will be able to land in the world of freedom and will no longer live in fear of forced repatriation back to North Korea.

Sincerely,

Ee-yok"