HanVoice on the Hill
In a powerful display of advocacy and solidarity, HanVoice recently hosted the landmark HanVoice on the Hill event. 25 university chapter members across Canada gathered in Ottawa to lobby nearly 30 parliamentarians to collectively push for sustained support for North Korean refugees.
Our Call to Action Was Heard Across Parliament Hill
During the event, our conversations with parliamentarians underscored the urgency of the North Korean crisis. Lawmakers were briefed on the extensive human rights violations that force North Koreans to flee and the arduous journey that follows. Canada’s role as a haven for those escaping the oppressive regime must grow stronger.
The Journey Ahead
As productive as the HanVoice on the Hill 2.0 event was, it marks but a single step on a long journey. Our discussions with Members of Parliament and Senators paved the way for future collaborations and policy advancements.
The current program is temporary — a pilot program with an expiration date. Yet, the pressing need persists. With the situation in North Korea deteriorating, and the constant threat posed by China's forced repatriations, we must broaden the scope of our compassion and action.
A Bipartisan Endorsement for Continuity and Expansion
HanVoice urges Members of Parliament and Senators to envision a program that not only continues to welcome those who have escaped but also prepares Canada as a bastion for future refugees. We call upon our esteemed parliamentary allies to officially endorse an extension and expansion of this vital initiative.
The commitment of the Canadian public has never been more evident, and we hope this support will be echoed in our government's policies. Our goal is to create a sustainable future for North Korean refugees, one where Canada leads by example on the global stage.
We thank all of those who volunteered their time to participate in the HanVoice on the Hill 2.0 event - our university chapter students and the HanVoice Executive Committee organizing team - and the parliamentarians who made time in their schedule to meet with us. We are also indebted to Senator Yonah Martin, and her team, who has been a champion of the work we do for so many years, opening many doors for us to make HanVoice on the Hill 2.0 the success it was.
Your Voice Matters
As we move forward, we invite all Canadians to join our cause. Sign petitions, write to your MPs, volunteer, and donate. We've witnessed the powerful impact of collective action and know that with your support, we will bring about significant and lasting change.
Together, we can build on the success of the HanVoice on the Hill 2.0 event and ensure that the plight of North Korean refugees remains at the forefront of Canadian policy. The passion of our volunteers, the courage of our refugee friends, and the commitment of our governmental allies make us confident that brighter days lie ahead.
