North Korea and China clamp down on child refugees
Release International says increasing numbers of North Korean children are risking their lives to escape worsening conditions in their homeland – often with tragic consequences.
One 13–year–old North Korean orphan had to have his feet amputated after escaping to China, according to Release partners. He was found hiding in the mountains in freezing temperatures. His feet were so badly frost–bitten that he failed to wake up when his campfire set his feet alight. Release partners say he is now being cared for in a ‘safe place’.
Release supports a Seoul–based ministry helping refugees. Many become Christians, and some return at great risk to their homeland to share the gospel.
Security along the North Korea–China border has tightened since the death of Kim Jong Il last December. And the Chinese authorities are reportedly stepping up their efforts to repatriate defectors, forcing even children into hiding.
‘Our concern is that the Chinese and North Korean authorities are working together to try to root out networks providing support for refugees fleeing to China,’ says Release CEO Andy Dipper. ‘And we fear they will redouble their efforts in the period leading up to April 15, which is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung.
‘Along with many others, we call on China to drop its cruel policy of repatriating people – including children – who are genuine refugees.’
Release recently staged a funeral march for freedom to the North Korean embassy in London. It presented a 52,000 signature petition calling on the nation’s new leader Kim Jong–un to reverse North Korea’s reputation as one of the worst persecutors of Christians in the world.
‘Because of their faith Christians are detained in camps, brutally tortured and removed from society,’ said Andy Dipper. ‘Many are forced to flee their country to avoid terrible persecution and oppression.’
Through its international network of missions
Release International
serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries by supporting pastors and Christian prisoners and their families; supplying Christian literature and Bibles, and working for justice.