Honourable Senators, it is an honour to rise and speak about an organization that embodies compassion, resilience and the relentless pursuit of justice.

HanVoice Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of North Korean defectors and raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis in North Korea.

Founded in 2007, HanVoice operates with a profound commitment to supporting individuals who have escaped one of the world’s most repressive regimes.

At its core, HanVoice is driven by a simple yet powerful mission: to support North Korean defectors in their transition to freedom and to ensure their voices are heard. This mission is not merely about offering aid; it’s about empowering individuals who have endured unimaginable hardships and providing them with the tools and resources they need to build a new life in freedom.

In 2021, HanVoice launched a private sponsorship pilot program to resettle five North Korean refugee families in Canada, which makes Canada the third country, after South Korea and the United States, to accept North Koreans. This program offers a safe new start for North Korean refugees supported by the Korean-Canadian community in every aspect of the resettlement process.

It is important to recognize that the work of HanVoice is not done in isolation. It relies on the support and collaboration of dedicated volunteers, generous donors and committed partners. Together, these stakeholders form a network of compassion and solidarity that strengthens the organization’s ability to effect change.

The impact of HanVoice extends beyond the immediate support it provides. By amplifying the voices of defectors, the organization helps to bring their stories to the forefront of global consciousness. This not only humanizes the crisis but also galvanizes collective action toward meaningful solutions.

One such voice is Ms. Kyu-lie Kim, a courageous North Korean escapee who last evening shared her harrowing story of suffering and loss, but also finding renewed hope for a better life in the U.K. She is in our chamber today, accompanied by HanVoice CEO Sean Chung, Executive Director David Vella and the leaders of 18 HanVoice campus clubs across Canada.

Honourable Senators, as we reflect on the mission and achievements of HanVoice Canada, let us also consider our role as parliamentarians in supporting this vital work and realize that we have the power to make a difference in the lives of refugees fleeing violence, forced labour, torture and injustice.

Canada can be part of the global solution. Thank you.