December 9th, 2011 – Worldwide Demonstration Protesting Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity in North Korea
Seoul-based Korean-American activist Kang Hun-Sok, who was introduced to me online by a trusted friend, asks for my assistance in getting the word out about a coordinated series of demonstrations next week. I’m glad to do so, and hope that other bloggers out there will do the same. Mr. Kang’s press release follows:
This is an international call to protest on December 9th, 2011, 63rd anniversary of the United Nations Genocide Convention which North Korea is violating in every possible way (For more information, please see “North Korea and the Genocide Convention”:http://hir.harvard.edu/north-korea-and-the-genocide-movement).
Please organize protests and hunger strikes in front of DPRK/PRC/UN offices (or other location), and let us know about your demonstration at connect@stopnkgenocide.com.
Confirmed Protests So Far:
New York City, United States
12:00pm: Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan , silent march to DPRK Mission to the UN
1:00pm: Demonstration at DPRK Mission to the UN
Speech by North Korean Defector Activist Ji Seong Ho (President of NAUH)
Event Coordinator: cbk2004@gmail.com
For Interviews, contact: iptbak@gmail.com
Seoul, Republic of Korea
3:00pm ~ 4:00pm : Demonstration at Seoul Station Plaza
4:00pm ~ 5:00pm: March to UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees)
7:30pm ~ 8:30pm: Candlelight rally in Seoul Plaza
Event Coordinator: pink2011info@gmail.com
Berlin, Germany
3:00pm ~ 6:00pm : Demonstration at the Brandenburg Gate
Event Coordinator: kimsunderhiswing@googlemail.com
Tokyo, Japan
12:00pm ~ 12:50pm Demonstration at Hachiko Square in Shibuya, Tokyo
1:30pm: Demonstration at Chongryon
Event Coordinator: kanandoj@yahoo.co.jp
London, UK
1:00pm ~ 3:00pm Demonstration at North Korea Embassy
Event Coordinator: S.Yang10@lse.ac.uk
There are three main objectives of these international protests on December 9, 2011:
1) To bring unprecedented pressure upon not only the NK regime but the international community to meaningfully address the horrific crimes being perpetuated systematically.
2) To influence and awaken global public opinion to the real, genocidal nature of the NK regime.
3) To create a watershed movement for the liberation of NK itself.
Note to participants: Take videos, pics, anything, and post.
Any chance of a demonstration in DC?
Thank you for your interest. Some of the groups and individuals in DC have been kindly supporting the demos in other cities and initiating other activities on this important day, but no specific demo has been formed yet in DC due to schedules, etc. If you or others around you feel led to do something (no matter how small), please do so. FYI, people are also gathering in Amsterdam, Helsinki, Kenya, Zambia, and Lagos to speak out on December 9; the North Korea Freedom Coalition is circulating a letter which calls on the key S Korean political leaders to take action re NK human rights; common citizens and defectors are writing letters for delivery to NK reps and other leaders; articles and op-eds are being written in the worldwide media; local groups are creating websites for these worldwide demonstrations (http://www.northkoreanhumanrights.com/); some are helping support the refugees and their networks; artists are putting up exhibits and composing songs; etc.
This is not political nor religious, nor about any specific organization, group, or individual, but comprises of many “faceless” and “nameless” people around the world from all backgrounds and walks of life who are joined by this common heart to speak out against these atrocious injustices, to speak up for these suffering people, children and orphans of NK, and to seek urgent changes/ breakthroughs – sooner than later – on many levels in NK and the entire Korean peninsula.
Some press releases, pics, video clips, etc. posted by one of the local event organizers in Korea. The worldwide demonstrations were not held just for the sake of “doing a one-time event” but with the view that they would be part of ongoing catalysts for real, urgent changes and breakthroughs in NK and elsewhere which are being ultimately sought.
http://www.northkoreanhumanrights.com/index.php/press-release