IL SR0946

Expresses solidarity with North Korean refugees fleeing hunger and persecution under the Kim dynasty dictatorship that has held nearly 250,000 political prisoners in deplorable camps.

Documents the North Korean government's systematic human rights violations including executions of political opponents, strict information control, and religious persecution.

Notes that over 2 million North Koreans died from starvation in the early 1990s due to government-operated agricultural failures, with ongoing malnutrition affecting a significant portion of children.

Calls upon the United States government to develop a Human Rights and Democracy program with cultural and educational exchanges with North Korea and to lead international efforts for North Korean refugee resettlement.

Directs the Illinois Senate to present this resolution to President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, Illinois congressional delegation members, and the Illinois Human Rights Commission.