WIDE ANGLE viewers often ask what they can do to help. Here is a short list of several organizations that work to support human rights for North Korean citizens and refugees like those featured in Crossing Heaven’s Border. Those listed below can suggest ways for you to help.

Committee for Human Rights in North Korea
This group of foreign policy and human rights specialists promotes human rights in North Korea, with a focus on closing forced labor prison camps, supporting North Korean women trafficked in China, and fostering a code of conduct for companies invested there.

Durihana
Based in South Korea, this Christian organization aids North Korean defectors and helps them settle in a safe place. Founder Pastor Chun Ki-won was arrested in 2002 by Chinese police on the Mongolian escape route he pioneered, helping to raise awareness about the plight of defectors. 

Life Funds for North Korean Refugees
This Japanese group staffs shelters along the China-North Korea border and supplies defectors with rice and clothing. It also operates an education sponsorship program for abandoned children whose North Korean mothers were repatriated.

LiNK (Liberty in North Korea)
LiNK is a U.S. and Seoul-based non-profit that raises awareness about the human rights and humanitarian crisis in North Korea through the use of media and grassroots support. It helps refugees by sheltering them, advocating for them, and helping them resettle in countries.

North Korea Freedom Coalition
This coalition of 60 organizations hosts the annual North Korea Freedom Week. It was the driving force for the 2004 North Korea Human Rights Act, and works to ensure it is fully implemented. Private members also provide humanitarian relief inside North Korea and China.

You can suggest other organizations to contact or share your experiences with these groups by leaving a comment.

Disclaimer: WIDE ANGLE offers this list as a resource. PBS is not an advocacy organization, we are not affiliated with these organizations, nor do their views represent those of PBS.