IL SR0649

Expresses Illinois Senate solidarity with North Korean refugees facing hunger and persecution under the Kim dynasty's three-decade authoritarian rule

Calls on President Obama to appoint a special envoy for human rights in North Korea and urges Congress to develop an international framework for refugee resettlement

Applauds Secretary of State John Kerry's initiative to resume diplomatic talks and support development of a Human Rights and Democracy program with North Korea

Documents North Korean government abuses including detention of approximately 250,000 political prisoners in camps, executions, forced labor, and restrictions on freedom of speech and movement

Urges the Illinois Human Rights Commission to take appropriate action regarding the humanitarian crisis affecting North Korean refugees, particularly women fleeing to China who face trafficking and forced repatriation