Center for North Korean refugees opens in UK

By Park Ji-won

A community center helping North Korean refugees has opened in the United Kingdom, according to Connect North Korea, an organization operating the center, and a Voice of America (VOA) report, Tuesday.

It is known to be the first support organization dedicated to North Korean escapees outside of South Korea.

The center, located in New Malden, a suburb of southwest London, opened to improve the livelihoods of North Korean refugees. New Malden has one of the largest Korean communities in Europe.

"Connect North Korea will provide basic life support for North Korean refugees in the U.K.," Park Ji-hyun, a staff member of the organization, was quoted as saying by the VOA.

The center was designed as a hub for refugees to share information about living in the country.

"As there is currently no dedicated space for North Koreans in the U.K., a center will be a useful place for support for North Koreans for integration," Michael Glendinning, founder and director of the organization, was quoted as saying by Radio Free Asia.

The organization plans to put a high priority on English education for the refugees.

"Connect North Korea will conduct our programs at the center, consisting of small group English classes, one-on-one tutoring, a new mentoring program, as well as asylum support and some other programs," the founder said.

"The center will also be available for use by North Korean refugees for free for social and educational purposes. Finally, it will also be available for organizations providing support to the North Korean community but administrative support will be needed from them."

The number of North Korean refugees in Britain is estimated to be around 650, according to official statistics. But the organization says nearly 1,000 North Korean refugees have arrived in the U.K.