NDP MPs call for protection for North Koreans
Dawn Black tables motion to protect North Korean refugees

OTTAWA – NDP MPs Wayne Marston, Dawn Black, Peter Julian and Bill Siksay called on the Government today to defend the human rights of North Koreans.

“For too long, this problem has been ignored, and it is time for the Government to act. North Koreans need protection“ said Marston (Hamilton-Stoney Creek) on Friday. On February 20th, Marston successfully presented a motion to the Sub-Committee on International Human Rights that tasks the committee with investigating the increasing human rights concerns of North Korean refugees in China.

“I’m delighted that the committee will study the terrible situation faced by North Korean refugees” said Black (New Westminster-Coquitlam), who today presented a similar motion to the House of Commons. The motion condemns ruler Kim Jong Il’s dictatorship and calls upon the Conservative Government to stop the forced repatriation of North Korean refugees from China. “Canada needs to play a leadership role by focusing international attention on the plight of these refugees” she added.

Julian (Burnaby-New Westminster) noted that "Canadians- all Canadians - need to be concerned about gross human rights violations and the treatment of North Korean refugees in China. The NDP is bringing this issue to the forefront so that Canadians can provide support to these refugees". Siksay (Burnaby-Douglas) backed Julian’s statement, saying “this is a crucial issue not only for families in my riding, but for Canadians across the country. The motion in the House shows our solid support for North Korean refugees and our condemnation of Kim Jong Il’s rule”.
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For more information, contact:

The office of Dawn Black:
604-664-9229

The office of Wayne Marston:
613-992-6535

The office of Peter Julian:
613-992-4212

The office of Bill Siksay:
613-996-5597