U＆w SPEECH Violation of human rights 이시헌 Siheon , Lee

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow advocates,
I stand before you today, not as an orator nor a politician, but as a storyteller.
Stories that transcend borders, of love, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit. My strange addiction is poetry, especially to one peculiar anthology, "Split Sister."
This anthology is not just any book; it's a testament to the strength of my grandfather, a man born in the enchanting North of Korea.
His stories were my bedtime tales, tales of his journey across the 38th parallel.
I remember the day my grandfather handed me this precious memoir.
His trembling hands turned the book towards me, revealing the title, "Split Sister." At that moment, I discovered that this book held more than a story of a daring escape.
It held his grit, his determination to write despite fighting stage three cancer. It held a legacy I inherited from him: determination
The story reveals the migration into the South, lifelong discrimination, and the struggles faced by North Korean defectors.
These stories became etched in my heart, driving me to act, to make a difference. I introduced "Liberty in North Korea" (LiNK) to my school, an organization that rescues and supports North Korean defectors.
We even won a national award from the Korean Ministry of Unification for our efforts.
In a world dominated by political tensions, we often overlook the individuals impacted by these circumstances. This is why supporting organizations like LiNK is crucial.
I founded LiNK in our school not to provide shelter, food, or healthcare, but to spread awareness, to humanize the North Korean people, and mobilize international support for their cause.
People must come first over politics. We should aim to humanize the North Korean people, to share their stories, and create empathy.
But all these efforts would be in vain without education. Education is an indomitable force that steers societies and minds.
It empowers individuals to critically assess information and distinguish fact from fiction. In an era dominated by digital media and misinformation, education is our tool to bring justice over controversy.
Empathy is another essential factor. LiNK's focus on the real-life experiences of North Korean refugees fosters empathy. By sharing these personal narratives, we humanize the issue.
North Korea's greatest tragedy is the loss of human potential.
Learning about the violation of human rights there, I realized that freedom should be a given for everyone.
To address this, institutions of learning play a crucial role in enhancing awareness.
Many universities offer Korean Studies programs that delve into the history, politics, and societal context of North Korea, ensuring the upcoming generation is well-informed.
My heritage is not just an ethnic label; it's a philosophy that guides my way to be a humanitarian.
In closing, let us remember that people must come first over politics. Let us humanize the North Korean people, share their stories, and be a part of their transformative journey.
As we extend our hands, hearts, and minds, we find ourselves connected by a shared pursuit of peace.
Thank you.