UCC links to North Korea rescue team
Imagine a world where your freedoms are restricted and your voice goes unheard. A place where there is no freedom of information, speech, religion, or international movement. A place where the United Nations documents human rights violations. For many in North Korea this is the reality.
Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) is an organization that aims to do something about the struggle of the North Korean people.
“North Korea is the most oppressive country in the world, but change is happening at the grassroots level,” LiNK representatives said.
Their work includes rescuing refugees through a 3,000 mile underground railroad, as well as offering resettlement support. Mobilization through tours and events is another aspect of the organization and its mission.
LiNK not only aims to rescue refugees but support them in reaching their full potential in humanity.
The mission statement for LiNK, “...to empower the North Korean people as they drive progress inside their country,” shows the true heart of the organization.
LiNK’s rescue teams are located in communities around the world. Their website states, “Rescue Teams raise funds for refugee rescues by hosting concerts, artwalks, street-side performances & bake sales on campuses with 100% of the funds directed to rescue missions.”
Umpqua Community College welcomed a LiNK mobile rescue team to share information on campus this last Wednesday. They set up a table with merchandise in the campus center, and gave a presentation, including an interactive video in Snyder Hall, followed by a question and answer time.
The rescue team spoke on topics like internment camps for North Korean citizens that spoke against the government, as well as a call to action. The team raises money and 100% of the funds go towards helping the North Korean people.
Haley Stammen, ASUCC officer, attended the event. “They made you feel like every dollar you donated counted,” said Stammen. She said the information that was presented was fair and accurate.
The LiNK rescue team had contacted UCC in June about hosting the event, and remained very persistent with their offer.
Stammen is passionate about international issues, and felt it was an important event for the student body and very eye opening.
“A student may watch a movie here, it’s as easy as going to your computer and opening Netflix. But in North Korea films are contraband material. If someone is caught watching a movie by a spy, they will be thrown into an internment camp,” said Stammen.
To learn more about Liberty in North Korea, visit http://www.libertyinnorthkorea.org/.