(October 20th, 2021, Washington, D.C., USA.) Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On October 20, 2021, One Korea Network (OKN) participated in and sponsored the 20th anniversary celebration of The Committee for Human Rights in North Korea. The Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK), founded in 2001 and based in Washington D.C., is a non-partisan human rights organization whose principal objective is to raise international awareness of North Korea’s human rights situations through the publication of documented reports and by undertaking outreach activities in support of the recommendations in the mentioned reports. Under the leadership of Greg Scarlatoiu, HRNK has coordinated 28 publications addressing North Korea’s human rights situation and the operation of its regime.
The gala event hosted Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA-39), as she addressed the audience about the promotion of human rights and democratic representation around the world and most importantly, in North Korea. Congresswoman Kim serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where she has been a strong and staunch supporter of North Korean human rights.
Senator Bill Hagerty appeared through a pre-recorded video for the celebration as well. Senator Hagerty addressed the necessity of the Kim family regime to take accountability for the human rights atrocities committed against its own people.
The Co-Chair of HRNK, Dr. Katrina Lantos-Swett, is the President and CEO of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice. Dr. Katrina established the foundation in 2008 to continue the legacy of her late father, Congressman Tom Lantos. Under her leadership, the Lantos Foundations has become a respected and key player in championing human rights concerns. She has been a long-time ally of supporting human rights in North Korea and continually shows her leadership and support for HRNK.
Among these distinguished guests, the most notable participants on this night were the parents of Otto Warmbier, Fred and Cindy Warmbier. While the two shy away from the public spotlight, they do not shy away from the injustice and brutality that their son, Otto, has suffered from the North Korean regime. The Warmbiers have been working tirelessly to raise awareness of the human rights violations in North Korea. Mrs. Warmbier remaining remarks states, “Promise me, everyone here, promise that you will all do more and better…[to bring justice to the North Korean regime].”
Additionally, One Korea Network’s Regional Director, Hyunseung Lee (Arthur) participated at the gala with his reflections, “the human rights of North Koreans are not something to be negotiated in exchange for fake peace that silences injustice. The basic rights of human beings are inalienable – which is why my fellow North Korean defectors risked their lives to find freedom. My father always says: “Without freedom and respect for human rights of the North Korean people, how can we achieve peace on the Korean peninsula? Is it real peace or is it just turning a blind eye to injustice?”
Lastly, the Founder of One Korea Network, Annie Chan sent her best wishes: “I am honored to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK). It is impressive to witness the many milestones and successes the organization has achieved throughout its deep history. Thank you for never forgetting about the 25 million victims still trapped under a brutal regime – and One Korea Network (OKN) is honored to support HRNK in its relentless fight in bringing freedom to the people in North Korea. We are providing the OKN platform because we believe that we must act together to fight the threats to human rights that are emerging in the region. We, at OKN, hope to one day see true peace and freedom for the people of North Korea – and we believe you all do, too.”
