I’m sad to say, things in North Korea are desperate.
It’s been nearly 25 years since we went to the border of North Korea and China, where we heard distressing, first-hand accounts of how Christians in North Korea are hunted down and singled out for severe human rights violations.
We were among the first Western organisations to bring the scale of these and other human rights atrocities to international attention. Our milestone report led to a United Nations Commission of Inquiry which stated, ‘The gravity, scale and nature of these violations reveal a State that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world.’ Today, the situation is even worse.
North Koreans are taught from a young age that Christians are ‘spies’ and ‘enemies of the state’, and there are severe penalties for any links with the faith. A North Korean defector told us, ‘My wife’s grandfather was a Christian… he brought a Bible to North Korea and read the Bible story with her grandma… One day her grandpa was caught by the North Korean police.’ His wife’s father and grandmother were also caught and sent to camps, where prisoners face malnutrition, poor living conditions, brutal treatment, torture, and even execution at the hands of prison guards.
An expert on North Korea told us, ‘There is severe discrimination against people of religion, especially against Christians [because] Christianity is an ideology that runs counter to the official ideology of North Korea. [Secondly], the underground church creates the space for free discussion, where people can freely share ideas.’
We heard the voices of North Koreans 25 years ago and took action and, with your help, we will continue to work for justice and freedom.
Your gifts will help people suffering for their faith in North Korea and elsewhere. For example, donations can help us to continue partnering with groups to record human rights violations and advocate for sanctions and greater accountability from the authorities, as well as help agencies support refugees to resettle in a safe country.
An expert told us, ‘North Korean Christians [are] not waiting for the current regime to blow over and find a more suitable time to be a Christian.’ Like me, I’m sure you’re incredibly moved by the courage of these Christians, that in the face of extraordinary oppression they won’t give up on their faith. Let’s not give up on them.
Grace and peace,
Scot Bower
CEO
PS. Join us and stand with people in North Korea and elsewhere by sending your gift today.
