A "Memorial for Deceased North Korean Defectors" will be erected in New Jersey next month to honor over 10,000 North Korean defectors who tragically lost their lives on their journey to freedom. This will be the first memorial for deceased North Korean defectors to be established overseas, serving as a significant symbol to urge the international community's attention to North Korean human rights issues.
First Overseas Memorial for Deceased North Korean Defectors to Be Built in New Jersey
This memorial's construction is based on the "North Korean Defectors' Day Memorial" that the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Unification erected at Odusan Unification Observatory in Paju in July of last year. This makes it particularly meaningful as the first memorial built overseas based on a monument established within South Korea. The individual leading this project is Ma Young-ae, President of the International North Korea Human Rights Allegiance and a standing committee member of the National Unification Advisory Council.
The memorial embodies the desperate yearning for freedom of North Korean defectors and the sacrifices made in that process, depicting a defector risking their life to approach North Korea's barbed wire fence and doves, symbols of peace, soaring powerfully. The design is expected to deeply resonate with viewers by metaphorically expressing the reality faced by defectors and their hopes.
Unveiling on July 17th: A Milestone Urging International Awareness
According to President Ma Young-ae, the first "Memorial for Deceased North Korean Defectors" overseas will be erected in Bergen County, New Jersey, on July 17th. The memorial, produced in South Korea, is reported to have already passed through the Port Authority customs on June 17th and is currently being safely stored at a location in Bergen County.
All costs for the memorial's production, transportation, and construction were covered by the International North Korea Human Rights Allegiance and President Ma Young-ae personally. This demonstrates their strong will and dedication to improving human rights in North Korea. President Ma emphasized, "The construction of this memorial is a symbol to comfort and remember the deceased North Korean defectors who couldn't even leave their names behind," adding, "It will be a significant milestone for the recovery of human rights for 25 million compatriots suffering in North Korea and for the awakening of the international community." Furthermore, President Ma stated that starting with the New Jersey memorial, she plans to continue erecting second and third memorials in major U.S. cities, including Washington D.C., and then in other major cities abroad, to draw sustained international attention to North Korean human rights issues.
Overcoming Difficulties to Bring the Memorial Project to Fruition
The project to erect this memorial for deceased North Korean defectors began a year ago but reportedly faced several difficulties and delays. However, with the full support of the New York/New Jersey Korean-American Association for National Salvation, local Korean associations, and local politicians and officials, the unveiling ceremony is finally approaching. This was possible due to the high level of interest and cooperation from the Korean-American community and local political circles in resolving North Korean human rights issues.
President Ma expressed "deep gratitude to the Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea, and to Son Myung-hwa, head of the families of POWs association, who spearheaded this memorial's construction, and to the non-profit organizations," not forgetting to thank all who contributed to the memorial's construction.
Eve of Unveiling and Main Ceremony to Be Attended by Various Dignitaries
The event for the first overseas "Memorial for Deceased North Korean Defectors" in New Jersey will be held in two parts: an eve of the unveiling ceremony on July 16th and the unveiling ceremony on July 17th. Key figures from various sectors are expected to attend the event, including officials from the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Unification, members of the New York Council of the National Unification Advisory Council, local politicians, North Korean defectors and artists, and members of the New York/New Jersey Korean-American Association for National Salvation. This suggests that the memorial's construction will be an important occasion to call for widespread solidarity and action to resolve North Korean human rights issues. This event is expected to raise international awareness of the human rights situation in North Korea and draw attention to those suffering in their pursuit of freedom.
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