Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – 99.7% of the citizens of North Korea cannot profess or practice their faith in freedom. This is what the 2008 Report on freedom of religion in North Korea, recently published by the Commission for the Reconciliation of the Korean People of the South Korean Bishops' Conference, has stated. The report was published in collaboration with the “Data Collection Center for Human Rights in North Korea,” and is now in its second edition, after that of last year (see Fides 29/2/2009).
The research is based on a survey that takes into account testimonies from 2,047 citizens of North Korea who fled the country, entering the South between 2007 and 2008. Those interviewed have also told of 345 cases of authentic religious persecution of persons who tried to manifest or practice their faith.
The report is divided into four chapters with the following topics: religious policy, freedom of religious practice, persecutions, prevention of persecutions.
According to the Catholic Church in South Korea, the restoration of full freedom of conscience and religion in the North is a necessary step and a fundamental condition in any effort for authentic reconciliation and unification of the peninsula. The attitude of the Christians towards their brethren in the North should be marked by “truth and charity”: help and support, without forgetting the open questions of respect for unalienable human rights.
The religious persecutions arose in the country following the 90s and the authority does not hesitate to imprison those who trespass the norms established or conduct religious activity without authorization.
From 1945-1960, due to a violent campaign conducted by the regime, with the goal of eradicating religion, religious activity and worship almost completely disappeared from North Korea. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed desire for religion among the people. However, the government continues to deny any real religious freedom and does not allow missionary work or religious education, although according to law it supposedly allows citizens the freedom to profess their belief. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/04/2009)
