International Conference on NK Refugees

The Japanese and Korean NGO coalition will hold an International Conference to develop a specific action plan for promoting international awareness and leading to improvements in the situations of North Korean refugees and humanitarian aid workers, particularly those acting in China.

It is widely accepted that at least 100,000 North Korean refugees are currently hiding in China. Unrelenting efforts by Korean and Japanese NGOs have saved a number of refugees. While these efforts are producing successful rescues, the number of humanitarian aid workers being arrested and detained by the Chinese authorities continues to rise. Some of them have actually been sentenced to several years in prison.

The issue of North Korean refugees no longer endangers only North Korean lives; it is also seriously jeopardizing the safety and lives of humanitarian aid workers who attempt to bring help to these refugees. This clearly demonstrates the limitations of rescue activities faced by NGOs.

Meanwhile, the continuing efforts by UNHCR to gain access to North Korean refugees in China are still being blocked by the Chinese government. It is obvious that stronger international teamwork, with the participation of more European and American members, is essential to resolving the current difficulties as well as bracing up the UNHCR's efforts. An action plan for deciding on and implementing such international teamwork is the objective of this Conference.

International Conference - Main Report:
1: Sharing a common awareness of the basic human rights situation in China

1-1: Treatment of arrested and detained North Korean Refugees and Humanitarian Aid workers in China

1-2: Punishment of Japanese and Korean aid workers when detained

1-3: Punishment of Ethnic Koreans when discovered, and how to protect North Korean refugees

1-4: Action plans necessary to stop suppression of human rights of North Korean refugees by the Chinese Authorities, and how to implement these action plans Agenda of Action Plan:

2: Action plan for international lobbying

2-1: International lobbying for intervening in violations of human rights of North Korean refugees and humanitarian aid workers in China

2-2: How to organize international lobbying

2-3: Actions for working with UNHCR, UNHRC, Euro Commission, Euro Parliament and US

3: Action Plan for Stopping Human Rights Violations and Abuse North Korean Refugees and Humanitarian aid workers in China

3-1: How to treat and commit '08 Beijing Olympic Games internationally

3-2: Effective pressure on China, IOC, OC of each country

4: Action Plan for Avoiding the Crisis of Chinese Oppression of North Korean Refugees and Humanitarian Aid Workers in China.

4-1: How to set up or re-set up protection after being stormed by Chinese Authorities

Event: International Conference on Developing an Action Plan to Save North Korean Refugees and Humanitarian Aid Workers
Date: 18 and 19 July 2004
Place: Civic Hall Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Participants: NGOs and action-oriented individuals

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