World Refugee Day Meets Prayers for North Korea
World Refugee Day marks its sixth year of celebration today as human rights activists and Christian agencies observe a week of prayer for the millions of North Koreans that continue to face human rights violations and persecution.
World Refugee Day marks its sixth year of celebration today as human rights activists and Christian agencies observe a week of prayer for the millions of North Koreans that continue to face human rights violations and persecution.
"Let this day serve as a reminder of our responsibility to help keep hope alive among those who need it most - the millions of refugees and displaced who are still far from home," said U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan in a released statement.
Last month, the first six North Korean refugees, including four women, were admitted to the United States. The women said they had been victims of forced marriages and were granted U.S. asylum under the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004. According to a recent State Department report, Wendy Young of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said that U.S. law might allow the admission of "hundreds, if not thousands" of refugees. However, gaining access to would-be refugees from North Korea to ascertain their suitability would be the larger problem, she said.
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Agencies around the world have partnered with Christian Solidarity Worldwide to support and organize the Global Week of Prayer for North Korea which began Monday.
The inter-agency call to urgent prayer against the repression of the gospel and persecution of Christians follows the second international gathering addressing North Korea human rights on Capitol Hill. Carl Moeller, president of Open Doors USA, had cited the suspicion that North Korea has detained more political and religious prisoners than any other country in the world.
As North Korea remains on Open Door's World Watch List as the worst human rights violator for the fourth straight year, Christian leaders have called fellow believers and congregants to join the prayer call as it is observed through vigils and prayer meetings worldwide.
"We encourage all Christians and Churches to take up this call to prayer during the Global Week of Prayer for North Korea, and especially on Sunday June 25th, the anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War," said CSW's Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas, in a released statement. "We are anxious that the horrific suffering and darkness overshadowing the people of North Korea should finally be demolished."
CSW welcomed the Lausanne Committee’s decision to declare June 25 an International Day of Prayer for North Korea.
