HanVoice is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting human rights improvements in North Korea and enhancing Canada's engagement with the Korean Peninsula. Founded in 2007, HanVoice has grown from a small group of ordinary Canadians into a national organization with over 300 active members, 15 chapters across Canada, and more than 2,000 alumni[3][4].

Mission and Activities

HanVoice's core mission focuses on supporting North Korean refugees and advocating for their human rights. The organization emphasizes the urgent plight of North Korean refugees, particularly those in China, and works to provide them with safer resettlement options[4]. HanVoice combines policy advocacy, education, and direct action to address these issues.

Refugee Resettlement

In a historic initiative launched in 2021, HanVoice partnered with the Government of Canada to establish a pilot program under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. This pilot allows Canadian citizens to privately sponsor North Korean refugee families currently residing in transit countries. The program aims to resettle five North Korean families over two years, prioritizing women and children who constitute approximately 80% of refugees and face significant risks of violence and repatriation[1][3].

Education and Training

HanVoice provides human rights education related to North Korea to 20 Canadian universities. The organization connects students with practitioners and real-world projects abroad, fostering a generation of informed advocates and supporters[1].

Policy Development and Advocacy

HanVoice actively engages in policy development by hosting global and regional summits that bring together civil society actors, governments, and other stakeholders. The organization has testified multiple times before the Canadian House of Commons and Senate, contributing extensive oral and written submissions to influence Canadian immigration and refugee policies[1][5].

Recognition and Impact

HanVoice has been featured extensively in national and international media outlets, including The Globe and Mail, CBC News, and the Associated Press, highlighting its role in making Canada a safe haven for North Korean refugees[1]. The organization’s advocacy work has earned it recognition as a key player in bridging policy and on-the-ground action regarding North Korean human rights.

Organizational Structure

HanVoice operates under a 6-member board and over 30 volunteer directors, supported by hundreds of volunteers nationwide. Its executive leadership has included figures such as Sean Chung and David Vella, with the organization progressing towards becoming a registered charity to enhance fundraising capabilities[3][5].

This summary presents HanVoice as a significant Canadian NGO dedicated to addressing the humanitarian crisis faced by North Korean refugees, advancing human rights on the Korean Peninsula, and influencing Canadian refugee policy through education, advocacy, and direct resettlement initiatives.