http://www.vimeo.com/6476490
Anywhere from 50,000 to 400,000 refugees have fled North Korea to neighboring countries despite risking torture and execution if caught. Issues such as famine, a lack of fundamental freedoms, and a fear of political imprisonment incite North Koreans to escape. Reaching China does not, however, guarantee their safety—China repatriates all North Koreans who have illegal crossed the border, in violation of the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees, and it’s estimated that 70% of North Korean women and Children who escape into China face exploitation and sex trafficking.
In 2004, LiNK was formed with the hope of spreading awareness and effecting change. The organization quickly grew and became a movement of activists empowered by the stories of refugees and motivated by the urgency of the issue. LiNK’s work focuses on awareness through mobilizing the grassroots and telling these stories of hope and survival. LiNK meets with governments, NGOs and institutions to advocate for the North Korean people, while working directly with refugees through a network of shelters in China and Southeast Asia – protecting, educating and assisting them to eventually find freedom and empower them to live new lives.
LiNK focuses on three areas of action to improve the plight of North Korean refugees: The Movement, The Underground and The Transition.
The Movement
This arm of LiNK seeks to raise awareness of the issues facing North Koreans within their own country and the risks of defecting. They provide direct outlets for people to get involved—volunteers are encouraged to host tours of documentaries, starting chapters on their college campuses, and contacting elected officials and the media to spread information.
The Underground
Beyond raising awareness about refugees, LiNK’s efforts bring them in direct contact with North Koreans. The organization maintains a network of safe houses for refugees, aids with acculturation by providing resources to learn additional languages and employment skills, and provides medical care and counseling.
The Transition
LiNK’s transition programs include helping refugees learn new languages, obtain jobs or education, and providing financial assistance through micro-loans and scholarships. LiNK staff members also serve as translators for resettled North Koreans whenever possible.
The Hundred
LiNK is working to help 100 refugees escape North Korea. They need to raise $50,000 dollars to do so. That may sound like a lot, but if you think of the incredible amount of logistics and planning that goes into this kind of endevour, in addition to the support and structure after the fact – it’s very little. Please take some time to look at the work that they’re doing. It’s remarkable and fascinating, and it deserves our attention.
Their Shop
I’m obviously a sucker for tshirts and cool design – check this sucker out. (For you youngsters or oldsters – it’s a play on RUN DMC). Definite opportunities for xmas presents. I love when organizations get great design involved – it’s hard to be excited about wearing a polo shirt with a brush stroke person icon on it.
