Press Release
29 April 2008

OPEN DOORS URGES CHINA TO HAVE MERCY ON NORTH KOREAN REFUGEES

On Saturday 26 April a protest and prayer vigil arranged by Open Doors took place outside the Chinese Embassy in London to highlight China’s violent repatriation of North Korean refugees. It coincided with similar protests arranged by the North Korean Freedom Coalition taking place in 12 cities, in seven countries around the world.

Around 100 protestors gathered peacefully opposite the embassy from 11:30am, some of whom had travelled from as far afield as Glasgow, Yorkshire, Banbury and Worthing. This show of support demonstrates the strength of concern felt by Christians for suffering North Korean refugees in China who continue to be hunted down by Chinese authorities and forcibly returned to North Korea. Once repatriated, they face torture, imprisonment and even execution for the ‘crime’ of leaving their country.

At midday, Eddie Lyle, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland sought to deliver a letter of concern on behalf of the Open Doors’ supporters to the Chinese ambassador to the UK, Madam Fu Ying. Embassy staff refused to open the door to receive Open Doors’ letter. Over 200 Open Doors’ supporters had independently written to the embassy to voice their concern.

The protest started with the names of North Korean refugees and humanitarian workers who have been seized by Chinese authorities being read aloud. After a time of prayer, five white doves were released as a symbol of prayer and solidarity.

Eddie Lyle, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland, commented: “In this Olympic year, we were distressed that the Chinese Embassy did not even extend the courtesy of opening the door to us. The UK is a democratic society where the voices of all are given a hearing, and the refusal of the Chinese representatives to acknowledge our peaceful delegation is contradictory to the Olympic spirit of freedom and opportunity for all.”

China’s repatriation of refugees by force contravenes its obligations under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, to which it is a signatory. Although the 1951 Convention prescribes free access to the refugees, China does not allow the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) free access to North Korean refugees.

Mr Lyle added: “China will simply not give refuge to any North Koreans who flee their homeland because of the desperation engendered by famine, dire poverty or persecution. Nor will they allow them safe passage to another country. Instead, the Chinese government invests heavily in resources and manpower to ensure that these refugees are caught. Horrendous abuses happen to them while in custody in China but far worse awaits them on their return to North Korea.”

One Open Doors’ supporter who joined the protest outside the Chinese embassy explained why he was taking a stand, “I felt that I had to do something to help out these North Koreans, because if I didn’t do it then who would? You’ve got to start with yourself.”

Another protestor who had travelled from Scotland specifically to protest added that he prayed this protest showed persecuted Christians that they will never be forsaken.

Open Doors is urging Christians to pray for positive change in the treatment of North Korean refugees who flee to China and for adherence by North Korea and China to international conventions and human rights obligations.

Notes to Editors:

Founded in 1955, Open Doors is an international charity serving persecuted Christians in around 45 countries around the world. Its work involves:

• Raising awareness of persecuted Christians and mobilising prayer and support in the UK
• Strengthening the faith of Christians behind closed borders through printing and delivering Bibles, Christian literature and teaching/training materials
• Befriending and caring for persecuted Christians by visiting them, writing letters and praying for them
• Enabling believers at risk to earn a living by providing livelihood and literacy training and self-help opportunities
• Equipping evangelists and pastors through theological and leadership training courses and training seminars and supporting Bible colleges.