Email, Lobbying Campaign Urges Congressional Support for North Korean Human Rights Bill
Contact: Jerry Dykstra, Media Relations Director, Open Doors USA, 616-915-4117, jerryd@odusa.org
SANTA ANA, Calif., April 8 /Christian Newswire/ -- "The current living conditions in our country are very bad. The price of rice continues to increase. Recently five women from our neighborhood were publicly executed; the youngest only age 28. Valuable lives have been lost. Their crime? Trying to survive by looking for food. After their execution, we were no longer allowed to trade at the market."
That was a portion of a letter recently received by Open Doors from a Christian in North Korea.
North Korea remains the No. 1 persecutor of Christians in the world, according to Open Doors' World Watch List released in February. The hermit country is the worst offender of religious rights for the seventh year in a row. Last month North Korea was re-designated by the U.S. State Department as one of eight "Countries of Particular Concern" for their severe religious freedom violations. North Korea's firing of a rocket on April 5 clearly demonstrates its rogue state status.
That's why Open Doors USA, a member of the North Korea Freedom Coalition (NKFC), is participating -- along with many other organization members -- in North Korea Freedom Week (NKFW) April 26-May 2.
The election of President Obama presents an opportunity to educate the new administration about the horrible persecution taking place in North Korea. The NKFC wants to ensure that President Obama not only focuses on the nuclear issue with North Korea, but also incorporates human rights, including religious freedom, in possible talks with North Korea.
A bill (the North Korea Sanctions and Diplomatic Non-recognition Act of 2009) will be introduced in Congress this month which requires that North Korea should support human rights, including religion rights, before the U.S. government enters possible diplomatic relations with the country. Passing the bill is critical to ensure the Obama administration makes human rights a priority in dealing with North Korea. To send an email to your member of Congress asking them to sign the bill, go to www.OpenDoorsUSA.org. Also, Open Doors is organizing visits to Congressional offices on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 28 in Washington, D.C., during North Korea Freedom Week. For more information on joining the lobbying and a list of NKFW events go to the North Korea Freedom Coalition Website at www.nkfreedom.org.
"Open Doors USA is honored to partner with other North Korea Freedom Coalition members committed to bringing freedom to North Koreans and supporting the suffering people while at the same time raising awareness of their plight around the world," said Open Doors USA President/CEO Dr. Carl Moeller. "Christians in North Korea are suffering terribly for their faith. Of the estimated 200,000 in political prison camps, up to 40,000 are Christians. I urge you to participate in North Korea Freedom Week -- whether it's praying, attending rallies or sending emails to your members of Congress."
An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to our Website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
(For more information or to set up an interview, contact Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or email jerryd@odusa.org).
