Young North Korean defectors issue vision statement for dignity, hope, freedom

A group of young North Korean defectors unveiled a declaration Monday to promote "dignity," "hope," "freedom" for those living in the reclusive country as it stressed their steadfast commitment to enhancing North Korean human rights as the "voice for the voiceless." The group announced their vision statement as the National Endowment for Democracy, South Korea's unification ministry and Human Asia jointly held an international event designed to shine a light on North Korean human rights situations. "Dignity matters. Freedom matters. Hope matters," the group said in a statement read out by Lee Sung-ju, a group member, during the event, titled "Preparing for a democratic future of North Korea: Next generation leadership." "As people who have recently attained freedom, we are the voice for the voiceless and commit to advance North Korean human rights. This commitment enables us to mobilize and be the hope for North Korean human rights," it added. The three keywords -- dignity, hope and freedom -- were key r easons why the young defectors left the North, a country known for its social oppression and chronic economic hardships that have shown no signs of easing amid Pyongyang's dogged pursuit of nuclear and missile programs. Comprised of people in various fields, including business, journalism and music, the defectors' group itself appears to serve as a message of hope for the young generations in the North and a warning for the North Korean regime. The declaration called for a series of concrete actions, including ensuring North Korean rights issues are supported "irrespective of political agendas," cultivating human rights activists and devising measures to empower people in North Korea. Pointing to the group members' dreams, Lee stressed that having such dreams in North Korea is "impossible." "What is the essence (difference) between dictatorship and a free country? You can have your own dream in a free country," he said. "We were taught that the U.S. was our sworn enemy. But we are standing in the U.S. no w and announcing our vision statement in the heart of our sworn enemy. Can you imagine that?" Also attending the event were South Korea's Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho, U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean human rights Julie Turner as well as You Ji-tae, a South Korean actor who serves as the unification ministry's ambassador for North Korean human rights. Turner expressed her expectations for the young defectors' role to promote North Korean human rights, portraying them as "Generation 3.0." "I am glad to be here today talking about Generation 3.0, which is better, brighter and armed with new technology, with new ideas to help carry forward the North Korean human rights movement into the future," she said. The minister likened North Korean defectors to what he called "pioneers" who landed in North America hundreds of years ago in their quest for freedom. "The American people who live in freedom and enjoy human rights are the historical proof. Approximately 400 years ago, pioneers crossed the Atlantic Ocean to this unknown land in search of religious, political and economic freedom," he said. "These courageous pioneers fled from oppression and persecution in the old world to realize a future where the dream of freedom and opportunity exists." Yoo cautioned against "indifference" about North Koreans' travails, calling for people to "not close your eyes." "It is not injustice that nurtures injustice, but our indifference," he said. "If there is any injustice anywhere in this world, do not close your eyes." He went on to call for action to help North Korean residents "who are neglected by their own country." "I urge you to extend your hands to the darkest of places," he said. Source: Yonhap News Agency