Speech #1090093900

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the tangible. but often underappreciated efforts the part of South Korea to address an important and urgent humanitarian concernthe resettlement of North Korean refugees. South Korea has consistently maintained a policy to accommodate all North Korean refugees who have found safe haven abroad by permitting them to resettle in South Korea. The South Korean government also provides necessary cooperation. if the refugees wish to remain in another country. to avoid the forcible repatriation to North Korea against their will. In the past 50 years. South Korea has resettled more than 7.100 North Korean refugees. an average of 20 persons per year between 1954 and 1997 (878 total). but at an accelerating rate since then: 72 in 1998. 148 in 1999. 312 in 2000. 583 in 2001. 1.141 in 2002. 1.281 in 2003. 1.894 in 2004. and 882 to date in 2005. with an expectation of a total refugee population of 10.000 by the end of When North Korean refugees arrive in South Korea. they spend their first 3 months at Hanawon. a facility run by the Ministry of Unification. to receive education. orientation and basic vocational training. They also participate in social adjustment and cultural assimilation programs. Following their orientation. the refugees are then provided with a variety of resources by the South Korean government that include assistance in finding meaningful employment for 5 years and a permanent residence in cooperation with local municipalities. They also receive general health insurance coverage and seed money to help sustain independent living. For women refugeeswhich accounted for 68 percent of all North Korean refugees this yearthe South Korean government additionally provides specific female vocational training and assistance with childrearing and home protection. For younger refugees. the South Korean government fully subsidizes all education fees through high school. It accepted into public universities. the refugees will receive full tuition including roomandboard. Should a North Korean refugee seek to study at a private university. the related costs will be covered jointly between the government and the designated institution. It is important to note that South Korea. for some time. has been working diligently. behind the scenes. without much publicity or due recognition. in order to enhance the security of the North Korean refugees it is seeking to assist. The aim is to make all refugees and their families selfsufficient within the context of democracy and free enterprise. so that they can be full contributors to South Korean society. In this regard. the South Korean government also works in collaboration with many civic. religious. and nongovernmental (charitable) organizations in a comprehensive and coordinated effort to provide a variety of resources and a strong social safety net. For these reasons.