The Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (NKHR), incorporated as a non-profit organization, was founded in Seoul on May 4, 1996, as the world’s first NGO dedicated to addressing the North Korean human rights issue. NKHR is a non-profit, non-religious, and non-political organization open to all members of the public.
The organization is sustained through membership contributions, charity concerts, public and private grants, and generous support from individuals and corporations. Since its founding, NKHR has organized international conferences across the globe and worked with media, cultural and artistic figures, scholars, and NGOs to raise awareness of the human rights situation in North Korea. By building solidarity with civic organizations and human rights advocates worldwide, NKHR has played a pivotal role in elevating North Korean human rights into a pressing international agenda. In recognition of these efforts, NKHR received the John Diefenbaker Defender of Human Rights and Freedom Award from the Government of Canada in March 2011.
NKHR has actively participated in the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR), providing information to UN officials, agencies, and diplomats on North Korea’s compliance with international human rights treaties. The organization was instrumental in the establishment of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in North Korea (2004) and the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the DPRK (COI, 2013). The COI’s 2014 report concluded that North Korea’s abuses constitute crimes against humanity, calling for legal accountability of its leadership.
NKHR also addresses the issue of enforced disappearances, particularly abductions by North Korea, as a member of the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) and the International Coalition Against Enforced Disappearances (ICAED). The organization continues to support the families of abductees and regularly submits petitions to the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID).
In cooperation with the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), NKHR provides shelters and essential support to North Korean refugees in China, particularly women and children at risk of trafficking and abuse, helping them reach safe third countries.
Domestically, NKHR implements a wide range of educational and settlement programs for North Korean children and youth resettled in South Korea. Since 1999, NKHR has run programs at the Hanawon resettlement center, offering weekly educational activities. During winter breaks, NKHR organizes the “Hankyoreh Seasonal School” to support academic progress, as well as career guidance programs, leadership programs for university students, and scholarships. It has also supported the L4 soccer team composed of South and North Korean youth, and facilitated overseas internship opportunities. These initiatives are designed to empower North Korean youth to thrive in South Korean society and grow into leaders of a future unified Korea.
NKHR also seeks to raise awareness in South Korea, where indifference toward North Korean human rights and negative perceptions of defectors are prevalent. Under the motto “Love to Learn, Learn to Love”, NKHR conducts public education campaigns to foster greater understanding and solidarity.
Furthermore, NKHR conducts independent research and publishes reports on women’s rights, children’s rights, political prison camps, torture, and refugee resettlement. These reports are widely recognized as credible resources and have been cited by governments, NGOs, and UN bodies, including the COI on North Korean human rights.
The Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (NKHR) is open to all people across the world, regardless of nationality, race, religion, age, ideology, or political views. From youth and students to workers, educators, homemakers, seniors, persons with disabilities, and even foreign nationals—anyone who shares in the dignity of life and the universal value of freedom and rights is welcome to join.
Human rights advocacy does not require much. Whether one has little or a lot, a high position or none at all, every individual has unique gifts to offer. What truly matters is the respect for human dignity and a compassionate heart to help those in need. With these, anyone can contribute from where they stand.
The Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (NKHR) places great importance on solidarity with the international community. We strive to expand and strengthen practical and effective cooperation with diverse actors—including United Nations human rights bodies, international and regional human rights organizations, and governments around the world—so that they may give greater attention to the North Korean human rights situation and exert meaningful influence on the North Korean authorities to improve conditions inside the country.
With the invaluable support of the international community, NKHR also seeks to ensure that the progress achieved in advancing human rights on the Korean Peninsula will contribute to the promotion of human rights across Asia and throughout the world.
NKHR’s mission is deeply rooted in the lessons of history. From the tragedies of war and division, we have learned that peace is not simply the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, dignity, and freedom.
Our activities, therefore, embody the spirit of a peace movement—one that seeks reconciliation, non-violence, and the protection of fundamental human rights. By addressing human rights abuses in North Korea and working for justice, NKHR contributes to building the foundation for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
The ultimate impact of our work is directed toward unification. We believe that advancing human rights for the people of North Korea is not only a matter of justice but also an essential step toward preparing for a peaceful and democratic reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
Through education, advocacy, and support for North Korean refugees, we nurture understanding, solidarity, and shared values between South and North Koreans. These efforts lay the groundwork for a free and united Korea where all people can live with dignity and equality.