Public Awareness Week

In June 2006, the North Korean Human Rights Law was established in Japan. This law specifies December 10-16 as the North Korean Human Rights Week and resolves that both governmental and regional institutions shall put forth efforts to increase public awareness of human rights violations by North Korea.

In 2004, the United States passed the North Korean Human Rights Act, and in December 2005, Japan’s General Assembly adopted its Resolution on North Korean Human Rights. This issue, also drawing widespread attention in Europe, has now become international in scope.

NGOs in Japan, with a view to putting the spirit of the law into practice, have often emphasized the importance of cooperation. The NGOs concerned are therefore taking the initiative in realizing this special event.

Severe human rights violations plus the ongoing food crisis have resulted in some 100,000 North Korean defectors fleeing to China. Since they are refused refugee status by the Chinese government, they must remain in hiding.

The Chinese government maintains that “there are no refugees from North Korea,” insisting that “they are all illegal migrants.” Thus, the Chinese government forcibly repatriates them to North Korea where they face inhuman treatment, torture and often death.

Women refugees often become victims of human trafficking, being sold into forced marriages with Chinese men.

Equally appalling, the North Korean government is known to have abducted innocent civilians from Lebanon, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan. While the number of such abductees is unknown, the anguish and pain of their family members are beyond words.

Given the great opportunity of this initiative, it is our aim to focus international attention upon North Korean human rights violations. Special guests and experts are invited to help address the issues, resulting in suggestions for policies and practical solutions.