Every year, thousands of North Koreans risk their lives to escape political persecution and economic hardship. If caught trying to escape or caught in China and sent back, they are at risk of extremely harsh punishments, including brutal beatings, forced labor, forced abortions, torture, and internment in a political prison camp. To make matters worse, while hiding in China their illegal status forces them to work in invisible industries and leaves them vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous employers and sex traffickers, as they have no recourse to any authorities. Although many refugees try to escape, many do not have the resources or connections to get themselves out of China. That’s where we come in.

After hearing countless stories of North Koreans who have struggled to pay or find brokers, or were even exploited and abused by brokers and other individuals while in search of freedom, we committed ourselves to providing a way for North Koreans to leave China without cost or condition. We have steadily garnered information about the escape routes through China and Southeast Asia and have established relationships with individuals who work in the “modern underground railroad” who can help us move refugees safely across borders. The free passage model ensures that refugees are treated with dignity and respect throughout the risky journey and allows refugees to begin their new lives in freedom without debt.