The Marmot’s Hole

I got the following via someone at LiNK (although 444 is not affiliated with LiNK):

I would like to introduce you a new NKHRs organization, “Justice for North Korea (hereafter JFNK) that I will actively be serving to see the great improvement of China’s attitude towards NK refugees as well as of general NKHRs situation.

“JFNK” (www.justice4nk.org) will be launching with “444 Day One-Man Demonstration against China’s forceful and cruel repatriation of North Korean refugees ” on May 23rd, 2007, having the first volunteer participant(s) of 444 demonstration and from that day on, the demo will continue up until August 8, 2008, the first day of 2008 Beijing Olympic. The website for ‘444Day’ ( www.444DAYS.org) is also coming, soon. ( Note: A number of NK-related organizations will associate to host ‘444 Day’ and JFNK take the lead .) As for international volunteers and participants, if you wish or unless involved in other organizations, you can represent JFNK.

“444 Day One-Man Demonstration against China’s forceful and cruel repatriation of North Korean refugees”

Period: May 23, 2007 ~ Aug 8, 2008

Hour: 4:44pm ~ 5:30pm

Location:
At Chinese Consulate for ONE-MAN DEMONSTRATION (Myungdong St. <명동역> Exit no# 3)

In front of Chinese Emabassy for ONCE A MONTH ASSEMBLY (Kyungbokgoong St. <경복궁역> Exit no# 2 or 3)

Purpose: “China’s repatriation of NK refugees, by all means, has to stop before 2008 Beijing Olympic”
Note: MORE than one person is to participate. So, if you would like to participate with your friends and families or your group/organization, NO PROBLEM!
Web: www.justice4nk.org for JFNK
www.444DAYS.org for the demonstration

Email: justice4nk@gmail.com for JFNK

Draft of the 444 Day Schedule
- During the period of ‘444 Day’: One-Man demonstration at Chinese Consulate at Myungdong St. Exit #3
- Every Wed evening: Wed Night Assembly
- Every Sat: Regular Meetings
- Every Sat: Street Campaign/Protest after regular meetings
- Every Sunday evening: Christian Assembly (No matter whether Christians or Non-Christians)
- Once a month: Campaign or Candlelight Vigil in front of Chinese Embassy at Kyungbokgook St. Exit#2 or 3

Volunteers Needed!
- To oversee participants and touch base with them
- To manage and maintain the website in English (English native) and Korean (Korean native)
- To coordinate and brainstorm for activities and events (pickets, banners, NK pictures, NK films, plays, performances etc)
- To film and take pictures (likely that I may come to the 444 Day place everyday)
- To edit and produce video footages
- To touch base with international Press and Media
- etc.

Personally, I am a little leary of foreigners using a host country to protest the actions of a third nation (no real reason, just a feeling).  However, if someone can help move the Chinese to change their policies regarding North Korean refugees (however small) by getting them concerned about their chemyeon ahead of the 2008 Olympics, I wish them the best.

 Things seem to be starting slow but hopefully business will pick up for them as this thing gets going.