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TechnoratiAs world leaders, diplomats, and experts convene around the world to discuss the necessary response to the seven missiles fired by North Korea, one of the world’s oldest Christian persecution groups is pointing out the country’s status as the world’s worst human rights violator.
(Photo: AP / Lee Jin-man)South Koreans walk by displays of models of mock North Korea's Scud-B missile, center, and other South Korean missile at Korea War Memorial Museum in Seoul, Wednesday, July 5, 2006.
(Photo: AP / Lee Jin-man)A South Korean man reads the Korea Herald newspaper reporting North Korea's launching of missiles in Seoul, Wednesday, July 5, 2006. North Korea test-fired a seventh missile Wednesday, South Korean officials said, intensifying the furor ignited when the reclusive regime defied international protests by launching a long-range missile and at least five shorter-range rockets earlier in the day.
(Photo: AP / Lee Jin-man)South Korean protesters carry a mock North Korean missile Taepodong-2 during an anti-North Korea rally in Seoul, Wednesday, July 5, 2006. North Korea test-launched six missiles including a long-range Taepodong in an early morning barrage Wednesday, defying stern international warnings of retaliation and prompting concerns that it could follow with more tests.
Since Tuesday, North Korea has test-fired more than a half dozen missiles resulting in greater condemnation and anger directed at the reclusive regime. The White House as well as the U.N. Security Council have convened for emergency meetings to discuss responses.
However, Open Doors USA pointed out that the missile crisis has “obscured the fact” that North Korea is the No.1 violator of human rights in the world.
In May, North Korea was recommended once again by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to be included on the list of “countries of particular concern” by the U.S. Department of State for egregious and systematic human rights violation. North Korea is also ranked by Open Doors as the top persecutor of Christians for the fourth straight year.
According to Open Doors, Christianity is regarded as a dangerous foreign threat to the regime’s power and therefore North Korean authorities exert great efforts to root out believers of the faith.
It is believed that tens of thousands of Christians are currently suffering in North Korean prison camps where they undergo “cruel abuses.”
In terms of the missile launches, North Korea has remained defiant and unapologetic, arguing that it has the right to such launches, according to The Associated Press. The country’s attitude has caused fears that more missiles will be fired.
