Many people from North Korea cross the border into China to escape poverty, hunger, and strict government control. However, life in China is often very difficult for them because the Chinese government does not recognize most of them as refugees. As a result, they live without legal protection and are always afraid of being arrested by the police. Many North Korean women are forced into marriages or other forms of exploitation to survive. One example is the case of Kim Geum Sung and his mother. She sold herself into a forced marriage in China so that her son could escape and start a new life in South Korea. Later, Chinese authorities detained her while she was trying to travel to South Korea. If she is sent back to North Korea, she could face torture, prison, or forced labor. Human rights groups continue to urge China to protect North Korean refugees and stop forced returns.

Pray for the North Koreans living abroad to have access to job opportunities and other rights and freedoms in their host countries. Pray for more freedom of expression and rights in North Korea (The Holy Bible, Psalm 56:1).

Sovereign GOD, restore true freedom and justice to all the people in North Korea. Let Your Will be done in the nation, for nothing is impossible with You, LORD! (The Holy Bible, Mark 10:27).

Pray for the Chinese government to take action to protect North Korean refugees, especially women and girls. Pray for the Chinese authorities and other host countries to stop sending back the refugees to North Korea (The Holy Bible, Ruth 2:12).

News Source: Human Rights Watch

Image Source: Canva