CHINESE EMBASSY REFUSES LETTER FROM OPEN DOORS

 ‘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 from as far afield as Glasgow, Yorkshire, Banbury and Worthing gathered peacefully opposite the embassy from 11:30am. 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 attempted 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.

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 said, ‘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. 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 these North Koreans. If  I don’t, who will? You’ve got to start with yourself.’ 

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.

For more information, visit the website…www.opendoorsuk.org