June 2011 Action Item

CAN is joining Amnesty International and other human rights organizations to call on the North Korean government to acknowledge and close down political prison camps, including the enormous Yodok detention camp--where approximately 50,000 people are held in appalling conditions. Most of these people arrive at Yodok after unfair, sham trials--or no trial at all. Their "crimes"? Something as simple as listening to or watching a radio or TV broadcast from South Korea, owning a Bible, being perceived as someone "critical" of the regime, or even being the relative of a suspected person.

Take action now to demand that Yodok is closed. For more information and to sign an online petition, go to: http://amnesty.org/en/appeals-for-action/north-korean-political-prison-camps


Or write a personal letter to:

UN Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea So Se Pyong
760 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017

Urge the North Korean government to:

  • Acknowledge the existence of Yodok and other political prison camps in North Korea
  • Immediately close Yodok and all other political prison camps in North Korea
  • Immediately and unconditionally release all prisoners of conscience, including relatives held on the basis of “guilt-by-association”. All other inmates should be released unless they are charged with an internationally recognizable offense, remanded by an independent court and are given a fair trial