For the past two years, CSW has been developing a twin-track approach to North Korea, combining pressure and engagement. International pressure, including the establishment of a UN Commission of Inquiry to investigate the regime's crimes against humanity, is vital. At the same time, North Korea is the world's most isolated nation – our goal should be to help open it up, not keep it closed.
North Korea is led by Kim Jong Un, believed to be about 29. Despite having almost no experience, he inherited his father's role as supreme leader, in the world's only dynasty that also portrays itself as a deity. His father, Kim Jong Il, died in 2011 leaving behind a regime that commits crimes against humanity on a daily basis.
In North Korea: 200,000 men, women and children are held in prison camps. Religious persecution has wiped out virtually all religious believers. Any Christian discovered will be sent to prison camps where they can face execution.
By taking part in North Korea Freedom Week you will help CSW and the North Korean refugee community awaken the conscience of the world.
Events for North Korea Freedom Week
Monday 23 April
Film festival: Crossing
Hosted by CSW East Asia Team Leader Benedict Rogers, this film is based on a real-life story from 2002 when North Korean defectors entered the Spanish Embassy in Beijing. The film captures the defectors' route of over 3,000km including passing through China and Mongolia.
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Venue: Korean Cultural Centre UK, Ground floor Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, London, WC2N 5BW.
Nearest Tube Charing cross or Embankment.
Tuesday 24 April
Film festival: Winter Butterfly
Winter Butterfly: 11-year-old North Korean Jino, looks after his ailing mother who is his only family. One day, Jino gets lost in the mountains, but when he returns home his mother, who has been suffering from hunger and cold has committed a terrible act. The film shows a naked duality of the regime that asks for aid from the International Community, while importing extravagant goods and developing nuclear weapons.
Time: 5.00 – 7.30pm
Venue: Committee Room 15, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Visitors should go to the Cromwell Green visitor entrance to Parliament. Nearest Tube Westminster or St James' Park.
Wednesday 25 April
Panel discussion: 'The World's Most Closed Nation: Exposing Crimes against Humanity in North Korea'
By kind invitation of Fiona Bruce MP, the Henry Jackson Society and Christian Solidarity Worldwide are pleased to invite you to a panel discussion with Kim Joo-il, Former Soldier in the North Korean Army; Shin Dong-hyuk, North Korean prison camp escapee; and Yun Tae-yang, Parliamentary Candidate in South Korea for the Grand National Party and North Korean escapee.
This discussion on the horrendous abuses of human rights in North Korea marks North Korea Freedom Week 2012, and is a unique opportunity to hear personal experiences of life in North Korea and to establish what may be done to address these horrific abuses of human rights.
Speakers:
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Kim Joo-il
Former Soldier in the North Korean Army
Shin Dong-hyuk
North Korean prison camp escapee
Yun Tae-yang
Parliamentary Candidate in South Korea for the Grand National Party and Escaped North Korea in 2000.
Time: 5.30 – 7pm
Venue: Committee Room 9, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Visitors should go to the Cromwell Green visitor entrance to Parliament. Nearest Tube Westminster or St James' Park
To attend please RSVP to: deeba.mufti@henryjacksonsociety.org
Wednesday 25 April