The 13th North Korea Freedom Week (NKFW) was launched on April 25 at 10 AM in at South Korea's National Assembly, where human rights and refugee organizations from South Korea, the U.S., and Japan were present.
The event will run until the 30th, and features a packed agenda. With about 20 organizations participating, this year's NKFW will focus on the role and responsibility of refugees from North Korea after the collapse of the North Korean government. Dr. Suzanne Scholte, who is often known as the 'godmother of refugees,' and the chairman of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, also visited South Korea for the event.
Some portions of the week's events include Christian faith-based gatherings, such as the prayer gathering that took place on Monday evening local time at 7:30 PM, focusing on the "freedom, life, and human rights" of the North Korean people. The 'Esther Prayer Movement' will also host another prayer gathering on the 30th at 8 PM at Joong Heung Church in Seoul.
A celebratory worship service before the launching of NKFW took place at Sae-Teo Church in Seoul with North Korean refugees.
Throughout the week, events such as a presentation on the policy directions and needs after the passing of the North Korea human rights act; a press conference with four refugee women who lost their children in China; a session at the UN Human Rights Office in Seoul hosted by a Japanese refugee organization about the need for solidarity and cooperation to restore human rights in North Korea; and a strategy meeting regarding reunification in the Korean peninsula and the roles of South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. in the process, will be taking place in Seoul.
A gallery of photos and artwork -- some created by North Korean refugees -- focusing on the need for human rights in North Korea will also be presented throughout the week.
