The 1st North Korean Defectors' Day Commemoration Ceremony Held
Yoon: "North Korean Residents Are Also Korean Citizens, Must Protect Them"
Tax Credits and Incentives for Companies Employing Defectors
Some Defectors in Tears... "We Do Not Forget the Pain of Defection"
President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the 1st North Korean Defectors Day ceremony on the 14th and stated, "We will not send back a single North Korean compatriot who seeks refuge in the Republic of Korea, no matter what happens," adding, "We will also make every diplomatic effort to prevent compatriots who have escaped North Korea and are overseas from being forcibly repatriated."
In his commemorative speech at the ceremony held at the Blue House's State Guest House that morning, President Yoon said, "North Korean residents are citizens of the Republic of Korea under the Constitution, and protecting citizens is the most fundamental duty of the state."
President Yoon said, "How happily North Korean defectors live on this land reflects what kind of country the Republic of Korea is," and added, "I believe the first North Korean Defectors Day will bring forward the day of freedom and unification for all of us. Let us not stop our steps toward a unified Korea and move forward vigorously together."
As President Yoon emphasized protecting North Korean defectors both domestically and abroad, some defectors attending the ceremony shed tears.
President Yoon explained, "The North Korean regime is erecting barriers and electric barbed wire along the border areas and even planting landmines to prevent defections," calling it "an inhumane act that blocks the desperate cries of those who want to live with dignity. The Republic of Korea will never forget the suffering of those who sacrificed their lives during the defection process."
He reiterated, "We will do everything possible to ensure that compatriots who have escaped North Korea can safely embrace the Republic of Korea."
On this day, President Yoon presented three promises?settlement, capability, and harmony?to make the Republic of Korea a hopeful haven for North Korean defectors.
First, President Yoon said he would significantly improve the initial settlement funds, which have remained at the 2005 level, to help defectors settle stably and support asset formation through the 'Future Happiness Account.'
Additionally, to enable North Korean defector women, who make up three-quarters of defectors, to safely balance work and childcare, the government will actively provide 'childcare' services. It plans to institutionalize support for raising and educating children born in third countries or domestically and establish a comprehensive safety net including medical care, welfare, and counseling.
President Yoon emphasized, "The government, local governments, and public institutions will take the lead in expanding employment opportunities for North Korean defectors," and added, "Incentives such as tax credits will be provided to companies that employ North Korean defectors."
On the 14th, North Korean defectors attending the '1st North Korean Defectors Day Commemoration Ceremony' held at the Blue House State Guesthouse were moved to tears while listening to President Yoon Suk-yeol's commemorative speech. [Image source=Yonhap News]
In particular, President Yoon announced, "We will ensure that North Korean defectors can enjoy freedom and happiness without discrimination," and revealed that starting this year, the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council will lead a 'mentor program' for North Korean defectors.
He explained that North Korean defectors from various regions and fields will serve as mentors to help new defectors successfully settle, and those mentees will, after a few years, become mentors for other defectors, establishing a sustainable system.
President Yoon said, "Earlier defectors will care for later defectors, forming a self-reliant community," and added, "It is important that defectors settle as members of our society's local communities in the process."
Earlier, in January, President Yoon instructed the establishment of North Korean Defectors Day at a Cabinet meeting. Following consultations with defectors, the government designated July 14?the date when the 'Act on the Protection and Settlement Support of North Korean Defectors' was enacted in 1997?as 'North Korean Defectors Day.'
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
