On November 9, Minister of Unification Jeong Dong-young visited the North Korean Refugee Foundation, a support organization for North Korean defectors, to encourage new Chairperson Kim Young-hee and the staff. He emphasized the foundation's leading role in ensuring stable self-reliance and social integration for defectors.
This visit aimed to recognize the efforts of the staff who have been assisting defectors and to discuss the foundation's vision for becoming a specialized support platform tailored to their needs.
During the visit, Minister Jeong stated, "Support for defectors goes beyond mere economic assistance; it is about being a neighbor who can lend a hand in difficult times and providing the courage to live. This highlights the importance of the foundation's role."
He added, "We must carefully consider not only the stable settlement of defectors but also their families' educational, career, and emotional needs. I urge you to ensure that the difficulties identified on the ground lead to actual improvements in programs and support procedures through field-centered administration."
In response, Chairperson Kim Young-hee remarked, "As a defector myself, I understand the challenges faced during the settlement process. We will meticulously design and implement programs to ensure defectors receive the necessary support to become competitive and self-reliant."
After the briefing and discussion, Minister Jeong toured the foundation's office, encouraging staff to work together with the Ministry of Unification to become a strong support system for defectors and a trusted institution for the public.
Meanwhile, the North Korean Refugee Foundation is a public institution under the Ministry of Unification that provides comprehensive support for North Korean defectors, from initial settlement to employment and life stabilization. Kim Young-hee has been appointed as the first chairperson from the ranks of defectors since the foundation's establishment.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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