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English News

[천지일보 주간 핫이슈10] 폭염 경보 경계·조유나양 가족 사망·올해 최저임금 9620원·원숭이두창 비상

[천지일보=임혜지 기자] 34도를 넘는 펄펄 끓는 날씨에 전국 대부분 지역의 폭염 위기경보가 ‘주의’에서 ‘경계’로 상향 조정됐다. 여론조사에서 윤석열 대통령의 직무 수행에 대한 긍정 평가가 3주 연속 하락한 것으로 나타난 가운데 여야가 윤 대통령의 북대서양조약기구(나토) 정상회의를 두고 공방을 이어갔다. 제주도로 ‘한달 살기’ 체험을 떠난 조유나(10) 양 등 일가족이 탔던 아우디 차량이 전남 완도 앞바다에서 발견된 가운데 차량 내부에서 탑승자 3명이 확인됐다. 28일부터 전국 곳곳에 내린 집중호우로 공사 현장 작업자가 사망하는 등 피해가 속출했다. 이 외에도 본지는 지난 한 주 이슈를 모아봤다. ◆폭염 위기경보 ‘경계’로 상향…벌써 온열질환 ‘비상’☞(원문보기) 34도를 넘는 펄펄 끓는 날씨에 전국 대부분 지역의 폭염 위기경보가 ‘주의’에서 ‘경계’로 상향 조정됐다. 역대급 폭염이 국내를 덮치며 온열질환으로 인한 사망자 발생 등에 대한 우려가 커지고 있다. 행정안전부는 2일 정오를 기해 폭염 위기경보를 경계 단계로 상향 조정했다. 지난해보다 18일 빠르다. 폭염 위기경보는 관심, 주의, 경계, 심각 순이다. 경계는 전국 40% 이상 지역에서 하루 최고 기온이 33도 사흘 이상 지속될 것으로 예상될 때 발령된다. ◆尹지지율 경고음에도… 여당은 “나토 순방 성공적” 자평☞ 여론조사에서 윤석열 대통령의 직무 수행에 대한 긍정 평가가 3주 연속 하락한 것으로 나타난 가운데 여야가 윤 대통령의 북대서양조약기구(나토) 정상회의를 두고 엇갈린 평가를 내렸다. 2일 정치권에 따르면 국민의힘 김형동 수석대변인은 1일 논평을 통해 “나토가 이번 회의에서 국가 간 자유‧인권‧법치 등 가치 연대로 발전하는 가운데, 한국 역시 가치를 공유하는 ‘글로벌 중추국가’로서 함께 할 것을 약속했다”며 “5년여 만에 개최된 한‧미‧일 정상회담은 3국이 더 긴밀한 관계로 진전되고 있음을 증명했다“고 밝혔다. ◆‘실종’ 조유나양 탔던 아우디 내부서 탑승자 3명 확인… 전원 사망 추정(종합)☞ 제주도로 ‘한달 살기’ 체험을 떠난 조유나(10) 양 등 일가족이 탔던 아우디 차량이 전남 완도 앞바다에서 발견된 가운데 차량 내부에서 탑승자 3명이 확인됐다. 29일 광주경찰청 등에 따르면 경찰은 이날 낮 12시 20분경 완도 신지면 송곡항 주변 앞바다 수심 10m 아래로부터 인양한 차량 내부에서 탑승자 3명을 육안으로 식별했다. ◆당국 “코로나 유행 감소세 한계 도달… 확진자 증가 가능성”☞ 방역당국이 신종 코로나바이러스 감염증(코로나19) 유행 감소세가 소강 국면으로 접어들었다고 보고 앞으로 확진자가 다시 증가할 수 있다고 전망했다. 임숙영 중앙방역대책본부(방대본) 상활총괄단장은 28일 코로나19 정례브리핑에서 “감소세가 어느 정도 ‘한계에 도달해 있는 상황이 아닌가’라고 생각하고 있다”고 진단했다. ◆WHO “유럽서 원숭이두창 감염 2주새 3배 급증… 각국 긴급조처 필요”☞ 세계보건기구(WHO)가 유럽에서 원숭이두창 감염 건수가 2주새 3배로 급증했다며, 각국 정부와 시민사회가 확산을 막기 위한 긴급조처에 돌입해야 한다고 촉구했다. 연합뉴스 보도에 따르면 한스 클루주 WHO 유럽사무소장은 1일(현지시간) “각국 정부와 시민사회는 원숭이두창이 지역을 넘어선 감염병으로 확립되는 것을 막기 위한 노력을 확대해야 한다”고 말했다. ◆최저임금 ‘9620원 확정’에 노사 모두 반발… 서민생계-업계회복 ‘딜레마’☞ 내년도 최저임금이 올해 최저임금인 9160원보다 460원 오른 9620원(5.0%)으로 정해졌다. 법정 심의기한인 29일을 10여분 남겨두고 극적으로 타결되면서 지난 2014년 이후 8년 만에 법정기한 내 확정으로 기록됐다. 그러나 노동자 측이 끝까지 사수하려던 ‘최저임금 1만원대’는 결국 이루지 못하게 됐다. 노동계와 경영계 대표들과 공익위원이 참여한 최저임금위원회는 지난달 28일 새벽 1시에 정회된 제8차 전원회의를 다음날 오후 3시에 속개하고 열띤 논쟁을 이어갔다. ◆폭우에 2명 사망·이재민 발생… 중부 덮친 물폭탄☞ 지난 28일부터 전국 곳곳에 내린 집중호우로 공사 현장 작업자가 사망하는 등 피해가 속출했다. 주택과 상가 다수가 침수 피해를 입었으며 이재민도 발생했다. 뉴시스에 따르면 행정안전부 중앙재난안전대책본부(중대본)는 30일 오후 6시 기준 지난 28일부터 쏟아진 비로 2명이 사망했다고 밝혔다. ◆尹대통령, 3박5일 마드리드 나토 순방 마치고 귀국☞ 윤석열 대통령은 3박 5일간의 스페인 마드리드 방문을 마치고 귀국했다. 윤 대통령은 지난달 29∼30일 열린 북대서양조약기구(NATO·나토) 정상회의 참석을 위해 마드리드를 찾아 사흘간 총 16건의 외교 일정을 소화하는 다자외교 무대 데뷔전을 치렀다. 30여개국 정상들이 참여하는 다자무대라는 점에서 풀어사이드(약식회담)까지 10차례 양자 접촉을 소화했다. ◆코스피 추락 어디까지… 장중 2300 붕괴 ‘연저점’ 경신☞ 코스피와 코스닥이 끝을 모르고 추락하고 있다. 1일 하반기 시작과 함께 외국인이 3434억원을 팔아치우면서다. 이날 코스피는 10.28p(0.44%) 오른 2342.92로 상승 개장했으나 이내 하락전환됐다. 오후 들어서는 중요 지지선인 2300선마저 깨지며 전 거래일 대비 27.22p(1.17%) 내린 2305.42에 장을 마감했다. ◆부산서 서울가던 SRT 열차 대전역 인근서 이탈… 11명 부상☞ 1일 오후 부산역을 출발해 서울 수서역으로 가던 SRT 열차가 대전조차장역 인근에서 탈선하는 일이 벌어졌다. 국토부와 SR 등에 따르면 이날 오후 3시 20분께 SRT 338호 열차의 1호차와 가장 후미 동력차 2량이 대전조차장역 인근에서 궤도를 벗어나는 일이 발생했다. 열차가 선로를 이탈하는 이번 사고로 총 11명이 다쳤으며 이 중 7명은 병원에서 치료를 받고 있다.

English News 임혜지 기자 2022-07-02 16:19

[Interview] H.E. Emil Constantinescu, the former president of Romania “Introducing the DPCW to the UN is an important step in the right direction”

50 years of experience in the communist dictatorship and atrocious war Chairman Lee is a leader in the true sense of the word [Cheonji-Daily News=Song Tae-Bok]I am one of the survivors of this tragic history of Europe that have a deep and sincere empathy for the Korean people, and one of the few that can perhaps intuit what is going on in the hearts of North Koreans across the border. Emil Constantinescu, the third President of Romania, was born in the year of World War II. His childhood memories were full of war and death, and he finally experienced freedom and peace only afterthe 50 years of communist dictatorship. So, for him, 'liberal democracy' or 'peace' is not a word that can be said lightly. Having dreamed of a world without war, he met Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL in 2014 like destiny, and became a partner of peace. We interviewed the former president Emil Constantinescu when he visited Korea last month to attend the 4th Anniversary of the WARP Summit, at a hotel in Incheon. Due to the time conflict, we managed the remaining interview via email. - Could you please introduce Romania to us? Romania is a country located in the north-eastern Black Sea coast of the Balkansin southeastern Europe. Romania is a member of the European Union, and after Brexit will be the sixth largest country out of the 26member-states by surface area and population. Romanias size is approximately the same as that of the entire Korean peninsula, roughly twice the size of South Korea, while its population is under half of that of South Korea. Like Korea, Romania has a history several thousand years old, beginning with the prehistoric cultures of Cucuteni, Hamangia and Gumelnița, and continuing during ancient times with the Dacian kingdoms, after which it became part of the Roman Empire.During the Middle Ages, the fate of the Romanian Principalities was similar to that of Korea, them having to defend their national, Latin identity and their Christian religion from the neighboring Ottoman, Russian and Austrian empires. The territory of modern Romania evolved through three separate Principalities: Moldova, Wallachia and Transylvania. While Transylvania was part of the Austrian Empire, Wallachia and Moldova were tributary subjects and then vassals of the Ottoman Empire, having to pay tribute to the Sublime Porte in exchange for Ottoman protection of the integrity of the Romanian religion and language. In 1854, Moldova and Wallachia entered a personal union and shortly thereafter formed the Kingdom of Romania, which gained its independence after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. This year, we celebrate 100 years from the Great Unification of all Romanian-speaking territories, as in the aftermath of World War I the territories of Transylvania, Bukovina and Bessarabia were adjoined to the Romanian kingdom. Later, following World War II, Bessarabia became part of the Soviet Union under the title of the Soviet Moldovan Republic. In 1989, Romania was the only country where the price of freedom and democracy was paid in blood, with thousands of its citizens arrested, wounded or killed by the military under the command of dictator Nicolae Ceauṣescu, who, after his final visit to North Korea, had wanted to imitate the North Korean model. Romania successfully braved the transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic one, and after 1996, when the democratic opposition won the elections for the first time ever, firmly and definitively opted for its accession to NATO and the European Union.Although in recent years Romania has seen one of the strongest levels of economic growth in Europe and standards of living have risen due in no small part to the remissions being sent home by the 4 million Romanians working abroad in other European countries (approximately 3 billion euro annually) it has not yet even come close to reaching the level of economic development of Korea. - The Balkan Peninsula is a beautiful land with a heart-breaking history. Could you briefly explain some particularities about the region? The Balkan peninsula, over its millennial history, was the cradle of the Western European civilization as we know it today. The concept of democracy evolved in ancient Greece, in the Balkans; the principles of the rule of law come from the Roman civil law, constructed around the Code of Justinian, the Emperor of Byzantium who ruled from Constantinople modern-day Istanbul. The third pillar of Western civilization, Christianity, has at its core the writings of Christianitys foremost ideologue, Paul the Apostle, who lived and preached in Ephesus, on the territory of modern Turkey, and later in Macedonia, before he was convicted and executed in Rome. This fascinating history of the Balkans has known a variety of cultures that lived together and influenced one another: Thraco-Scythians, Illyrians, Celts, Greeks, Ottomans and Slavs. Nowadays, the Balkan peninsula is a space in which a peaceful coexistence between Islamic, Orthodox and Catholic countries is a reality. - I know that you are actively involved as the President of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Levant Culture and Civilization (ISACCL). What kind of organization is it, and with what purpose did you establish it? I founded the Institute for Advanced Studies in Levant Culture and Civilization in order to transfer to Romania the experience and the projects I have undertaken as President of the Academy of Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin, where I had the opportunity to launch The Levant Initiative for Global Peace.When I launched the Levant Initiative for Global Peace, I had in mind my own experience as a scientist where, if you can solve the most complicated situations or problems through the application of knowledge, then it becomes easier to solve the other issues left unsolved. As such, if the Levant was considered the font of global contradictions, based on religious conflicts, we must not lose sight of the fact that the Levant was at the same time the cradle of the great Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam, in order of their historical appearance, and that the biblical underpinnings of each of these does not speak of war, but rather that everyone agrees that Peace is the name of God, down to even the greetings people use, be they Shalom, Salam aleikum or Go in peace. If religious leaders were to strongly affirm this principle, they would annul the arguments of those using religion to justify conflict and propagate violence. The Institute for Advanced Studies in Levant Culture and Civilization aims to rewrite the history of the Levant, through which we understand a broader space that does not solely refer to the Middle East, but also to Northern Africa, the Balkans and the Caucasus. For millennia, all these areas were ruled by the great empires that marked the history of the world: The Assyrian Empire, the Babylonian Empire, the Kingdom of Egypt, the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire. In time, this led to the establishment of deep human connections between the peoples of these regions, sharing common myths, common customs and a certain lifestyle that greatly valued hospitality. Let us rewrite history through the lens of what brings us together, not what sets us apart. This is not an easy feat, because history, as it has been written until now, is a history of incessant warfare, in which the protagonists are the lords of war, not the lords of peace. - How did your relationship with the HWPL organization begin? I first met Chairman Man Hee Lee in Germany, at a reception hosted by the Institute and Academy of Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin, where I learned of the noble goals that the HWPL had set for itself. They coincided, for the most part, with the goals I had dedicated my efforts in cultural diplomacy to, aiming towards not only the resolution of open or frozen conflicts, but especially towards the creation of a culture of peace through the understanding of the Other, the only way, in my view, to ensure a lasting, durable and sustainable peace. - What do you think of Chairman Lee? I believe Chairman Lee is a leader in the true sense of the word, which is easy to see in the way he wins the hearts and the minds of the younger generation, in particular because of his destiny: a man who fought in the Korean War which, like all wars, pits man against man; but what is even more striking is that, in the case of the Korean war, it was pitting brother against brother. When youth and womens associations were established, I think Man Hee Lee astutely picked up on the fact that herein lay the key, as youths are sent to die in wars by populist and ultranationalist leaders with dictatorial tendencies while women during war are not only victims but also suffer for their parents, children and brothers. We must never forget that while 20.000.000 soldiers died in World War II, 40.000.000 civilians, mostly women, children and the elderly, perished in that conflict as well. - I know that you participated the first WARP Summit. In 2014, I was markedly impressed by the participation of the young people at the events. On the Olympic stadium, there were approximately 120.000 pupils and students, and nearly 200.000 took part in the March for Peace. When I had the honour of holding my speech on the Olympic Stadium, I felt the vibration of the crowd and I thought back to what had happened to the first president of Romania, Nicolae Ceauṣescu, when he attended the festivities organized by Kim Il-Sung in Pyeongyang in his honour. Because I had lived among the students which, during the Communist dictatorship, were forced to take part in events organized following the North Korean model, I had a realisation of how great the fundamental difference is between youth that are forced to attend rallies for fear of consequences that could drastically affect their futures and careers, and volunteers. You cannot fake volunteering, and for me this was the most striking impression of my trip to South Korea, and the main reason I decided to return this year, to attend the fourth anniversary of the 2014 Summit. - What was your impression of the 4th anniversary of the WARP Summit? Even though this time the rally was held on Incheon Stadium, with only 30.000 participants, I found myself surrounded by the same sincere enthusiasm and the same dedication to peace. Your people are models of solidarity.I think it was an important event not only for Korea, but for the entire world, as it demonstrates once again that the promotion of peace is the only solution, that the threat of war is not the only solution, as happened during the Cold War. In the end, dialogue is the most important. - Do you think the Declaration for Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) will be presented to the United Nations? The level of publicity surrounding this Declaration, in correlation with the fact that through its signing religious leaders, people in positions of authority, presidents and democratic heads of government are joined by a large number of young people supporting the same ideal, makes it possible that military leaders, heads of state and military subcontractors are made to listen to the voice of the people. I believe the United Nations will indeed accept this Declaration, and I consider it an important step in the right direction because, despite the permanent criticism of UN ineffectiveness, we must keep in mind that it is the only forum that offers a platform for smaller states from across the globe to make their voices heard. - Are you optimistic that North Korea will abandon its nuclear weapons program? I am actually optimistic for this result. It was not by chance that, following the Bucharest conference, I suggested that the organizers also invite the former Presidents of Belarus and Ukraine to Korea at the same time as the meeting between the two Korean leaders. It gave us the opportunity to re-emphasize, as we had at the Bucharest conference, certain historical events that are completely overlooked by Western media and politics.The wealth of experience of South-Eastern European countries may be useful to North Korea, not only from the point of view of their eventual transition from a dictatorship to a democracy, but also with regard to their denuclearization. - What is the most significant thing that is needed for the reunification of the Korean peninsula? Of course, only the Korean people should be allowed to decide on their own fate, and I must stress that, like in the case of the unification of Germany and of the close relationship between Romania and Moldova, an honest decision can only come from within, not from pressures from without; and, if successful, the unification of the Korean peninsula will be one of the lynchpins of global peace. I firmly believe that now, with the denuclearization of North Korea, we will arrive much closer to implementing peace worldwide, kindling the hope of the younger generations to live in a world bereft of war. - Finally, do you have a message you would like to share with our Korean readers? I would like to convey my sincere admiration for the Korean people. As a professor of geology, I know that, compared to Romania, there are precious little underground resources in Korea. Neither is the soil quality particularly good in comparison, as Romania has over 80% of the best quality soils in the European Union. All of South Koreas exceptional economic development, which has impressed the world over, is based on its wealth of educated human resources. This is the example that South Korea has set for the world: development through higher education. At the same time, I would like to reaffirm my great admiration for the high degree of solidarity espoused by the citizens surrounding an ideal: dignity and national unity. I wish that both older and newer generations in Korea can enjoy peace, and that the entire Korean people can enjoy prosperity, and I hope that I yet live to see this come to pass.

EnglishNews 송태복 기자 2018-10-24 13:52

[Interview] ‘No Gun Ri Massacre’ Martha Mendoza

[Cheonji-Daily News=Song Tae-Bok, Hwang Si-Yeon] The "No Gun Ri Massacre is a war crime the U.S. and has committed and made us realize the cruelty of war." Martha Mendoza, an Associated Press (AP) journalist who informed the world of the massacre of civilians in No Gun Ri, remarked as she recalled covering the story. I met Martha Mendoza at a hotel lobby in Seoul, South Korea on October 5th. She was invited to the The Third Asian Invitational Journalism Conference hosted by the Koreas Exploration and Journalism Center and Newstapa. The No Gun Ri incident occurred between July 25-29 in 1950. The U.S. military fired machine guns at Korean citizens who were fleeing along the Gyeongbu line, killing more than 300 people. It was shocking to learn that the U.S. military fired indiscriminately at people seeking refuge under bridge for three nights and four days. As the catalyst Martha Mendoza along with her colleagues Sang-hoon Choi and Charles Henry dug into the real story. Through an article titled, "No Gun Ri Bridge" she revealed the truth to the world about the massacre in September 1999 and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Sang-hoon Choi told me about the No Gun Ri incident and premised it the fact that the goal was to uncover the truth. This AP team, revealed the truth by interviewing the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. soldiers who were discharged from the military. A former soldier of the first U.S. cavalry said, "They are enemies over the U.S. line, so shoot them. Women and children are left to discretion," he was later realized he participated in a crime by killing people who were actually were refugees, rather than enemies in No Gun Ri. "The U.S. military wrote a daily diary during the Korean War, and the records of the period of the Nogun-ri incident were missing," Mendoza said. The massacre, which was likely to escalate into a diplomatic issue between the two countries, was not accurately reported. "After learning that the No Gun Ri incident was a "military war crime," Mendoza said, "I had a big conflict over whether to report anything disadvantageous to my country." "Although I had a lot of conflicts, I decided to report the truth for the victims," she recalled. U.S. President Bill Clinton made a statement of regret when the incident was revealed after the story broke. Since then, a joint investigation was conducted between the two countries and a 132,200-square meter Peace Park was created near the site of the massacre in 2011. Clinton even visited No Gun Ri to pay tribute to his victims last year. ◆2nd Pulitzer Prize Mendoza participated in the four-member AP Exploration Team. The team deals with the slave labor market in Southeast Asia. Her journalistic contributions led to winning yet another, Pulitzer Prize. The Public Service Award is considered the most prestigious media award. The report revealed the process by which Southeast Asian seafood is brought to U.S. tables. They outlined the labor and distribution processes. Since the report, 2000 slave laborers have been rescued. Pictures of fishermen trapped in bars and living in miserable conditions were appalling. Some of the victims were trapped for over 20 years. At that time, the AP team worked for the safety and freedom of those enslaved. It took over a year to break the story and resulted in all the 2,000 people being rescued. The report is considered one of the greatest public service stories. Through the interview with Mendoza, I was able to uncover the secret of winning the Pulitzer Prize twice. She never went against the reporters' conscience to help the weak, the unjust, and faceless and worked as a team to bring about change. It didn't take long for me to feel the sincerity and warm from a Mendoza. Mendoza is still in the field as a strong influence in investigative reporting. She is a mentor who reminds me of how influential the pen is in improving the world and how noble and rewarding a reporters career can be. The short interview left me with a lasting impression.

EnglishNews 황시연 기자 2018-10-07 10:19

[Issue in] "I will make an effort to spread HWPL’s peace values."

[Cheonji-ilbo=Yeongji Lee] A group of 11 professors and faculty members of national universities in Indonesia visited South Korea to learn about peace from a Korea-based UN member NGO, HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light, Chairman Man Hee Lee). The workshop was for participants recommended by Universitas Islam Negeri SyarifHidayatullah Jakarta and Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar, schools which have respectively signed an MOU with HWPL on designating their universities as HWPL Peace Academies. The HWPL Peace Educators Workshop was a program of three nights and four days from 4 May. After the workshop, some participants made remarks on HWPL's peace work. Dr. Rachmat Baihaky Head of the Center for International Cooperation / Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta I hope to become a peace messenger, share the ideas of HWPL Peace Education with others, and contribute to resolving political discourse in Indonesia. Dr. Barsihannor Zuhri Dean of Adab and Humanities Faculty / Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar I'm looking forward to applying this peace education to families, the society and in my lectures when I return to Indonesia. Dr. Efi Syarifudin Deputy Dean of the Department of Microfinance and Justice / Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten HWPL Peace Education is enough to inspire the world. I will share this with all my fellow Indonesians. Dr. Nur Hidayah Vice Dean of Medical and Health Science Faculty in Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar I truly want to leave a world of peace to the future generations. The teachers and professors must educate students to support peace in their given environment. Dr. Ali Munhanif Professor of the Department of Political Science in Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta It is amazing to see a divided nation doing this work of peace. Everyone must have the peace values of HWPL. Dr. Zainul Fuad Professor of the Department of Social Sciences in Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatra Utara The peace movement of Chairman Lee is phenomenal. There is no peace organization working like HWPL. Dr. Syamsul Bahri Chairman of Education English Department in IAI As'adiyah Sengkang Ive only taught peace through debates, but I will give shape to Peace Education by holding workshops and camps. Dr. Muhammad Yusuf Razaq Dean of Education Faculty in IAI As'adiyah Sengkang The peace message of Chairman Lee comes from heaven. So, I will spread his message to the people in the world. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Irham Lecturer of Islamic Spiritualism in Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatra Utara Dialogue of Scriptures at HWPL WARP Offices will not just end in dialogue but will lead to peace. Dr. Gustia Tahir Lecturer of Adab and Humanities Faculty in Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar Chairman Lees message of peace awakened our thoughts. Dr. Hasan Sazali Lecturer of Communication of Religious Development in Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatra Utara The professors that came here have been actively working for peace. I believe that they will be more motivated to work for peace through this workshop.

EnglishNews 이영지 기자 2018-05-10 14:18

[lssue in] “We Came from Indonesia's National Universities to Korea to Learn about Peace from HWPL”

[Cheonji-ilbo=Yeongji Lee] A group of 11 professors and faculty members of national universities in Indonesia visited South Korea to learn about peace from an NGO associated with the UN Department of Public Information, HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light, Chairman Man Hee Lee). The workshop was for participants recommended by Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar, schools which have respectively signed an MOU with HWPL on designating their universities as HWPL Peace Academies. The HWPL Peace Educators Workshop was a program of three nights and four days from 4 May. The program was designed to assist universities to integrate the HWPL Peace Education program into their curricula in the coming Fall Semester and to help educators gain a better understanding of HWPL Peace Education. Earlier in January, during the 26th World Peace Tour of the Peace Delegation that visited four countries in Southeast Asia, HWPL and Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta in Indonesia signed a Peace Academy MOU. The same day, the school named HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee an honorary chancellor, a sign of high hopes for the HWPL Peace Education program. The university also encouraged other national universities in Indonesia to join the Peace Educators Workshop. 7 May, the reporter sat down with the participants of the workshop in a seminar room at HWPL Jeonbuk Branch Office. In one voice, the participants said HWPL Peace Education is what can bring peace in their home country. But it doesn't stop there. They say global peace can become a reality. When asked what drove them to travel to Korea, called "a land of division" by some, to learn about peace, instead, they underscored the inspiration they get from the peace works of HWPL. "The very fact that HWPL which started from a divided nation, Korea, was able to bring forth such progress for peace is wonderfully astonishing," said Dr. Ali Munhanif, a political science professor at Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. "HWPL's peace work takes great significance in the run for ending the war on the Korean Peninsula and for its reunification." Professor Ali Munhanif also said, "by taking Mr. Lee's purpose and his vision for peace and applying it to individuals, the environment, and governments, I am confident that it is possible to achieve peace solely by the hands of the people without any intervention from the government level or the religious leaders." He stressed, "The peace values presented by HWPL is necessary for realizing the reunification led by the people." Dr. Zainul Fuad, a social science professor at Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatra Utara, said, "I have always thought that the peace-building methods proposed by HWPL are concrete and feasible," as he marked Chairman Lee's peace work "truly amazing." He went on to say, "There are many peace organizations in the world, but no other organization is as extraordinary and innovative as HWPL." "I have worked with many different NGOs working in this field for a long time, but I have never seen any group that has brought progress and results as HWPL has done. I would say Mr. Lee's contribution is worth a Nobel Peace Prize." The participants of the workshop plan to share the content of the peace education program with school and communities. Dr. Barsihannor Zuhri, the Dean of Adab and Humanities Faculty at Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar, said, "the workshop served as an opportunity to take one step further in thinking about what peace really is." "I want to share the value of peace presented by HWPL when I return to Indonesia." He said he plans to apply HWPL Peace Education in households and society and to integrate everything he had learned into his lectures. An organizing staff from HWPL said the workshop is the starting point of HWPL's plans to train educators as Peace Educators for Peace Academies designated according to the MOU signed with universities in Indonesia. "Renowned professors and leaders are coming to Korea to be trained on the theme of peace. I believe that in itself contributes to building a good reputation for Korea as a nation of peace." HWPL Peace Academies were set up amid the request of leaders at the WARP (World Alliance of Religions' Peace) Summit hosted by HWPL in 2014. As of May 2018, there are 138 schools designated as Peace Academies. Upon designation, all Peace Academies implement the HWPL Peace Education program into their curriculum every semester taught with a textbook on peace published by HWPL.

EnglishNews 이영지 기자 2018-05-10 14:18

[Issue Track] South Korean Citizens Condemn Government and Religion’s Silence on Human Rights Violation

[Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Kim, Robert] The South Korean government has been actively engaged in reconciliation process with North Korea, but not even a single official statement from the government on 1,000 victims from forcible change of religion against individuals in minor religious denominations has not been delivered. Human Rights Association for Victims of Coercive Conversion Programs (HAC), hosted a rally on March 4 in major cities including Seoul for legislation to protect religious freedom in terms of human rights and investigation of Christian pastors involved in coercive conversion programs, accompanied with kidnapping and confinement of individuals by family members instigated by pastors. Around 100,000 Korean citizens participated in the rally. The last rally in January was held in 22 locations in 12 countries including the United States, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and France with 200,000 participants after a death of young woman caused by coercive conversion. The recent rally is a part of an international movement, condemning silence of both the Korean government and Christian community in the country. ◆Citizens Gather Together, but Silence from Government and Religion Continues The 25-year-old Korean young woman, Ms. Ji-Un Gu, was found dead in January while she was confined in a pension far away from her place. She was suffocated to death from an obstruction in the airway while she had been kidnapped by her family and forced to change her religion. Before this she was also taken in 2016 to a Catholic monastery for 44 days. At that time, she was kidnapped by her family and a Christian pastor forced her to convert. After that the late Ms. Gu offered a petition on a legal protection of citizens from religious discrimination to the Blue House, the presidential office of South Korea. While there has been no official response from the Blue House, Ms. Gu was kidnapped again and came to die. The HAC urged the government take responsibility for investigation of the conversion program and prevention of reoccurrence of similar cases. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism made it known that it cannot carry out investigation on a religion due to the principle of the separation of church and state. The HAC further says that there have been 1,000 victims for the last decade. The online petition for ban on coercive conversion program received 140,000 supporters, but it disappeared in the government website without an explanation. The religious circle in South Korea is also consistent in remaining in silence. Targeting those who change their religious orientations, coercive conversion programs by Christian pastors have been carried out with a tacit agreement from Churches in Korea. In the name of educating lost followers taken to cult, the Korea Christian Heresy Research Center has been actively promoting the conversion program and even claims that the pastors involved in cult consulting should be protected. ◆Over the Family Issue The problem of coercive conversion program is that Christian pastors consider it as a business to make money in the name of counseling for protection of family from cult. Through this, they instill distrust in the family against other family members who pursue other religions, said Ms. Ji Hye Choi, co-president of HAC. The consequence is destructive. Mental traumas, fear, family breakdown, divorce, losing jobs, school dropout and many other irreversible problems continue, she added. In her interview at Franceinter the French state-run radio, Ms. Hye Jung Lim said, Three men came to me grabbed my hair and dragged me into my place. I jumped over the wall, ran in bare feet and luckily got a taxi to escape. My life changed ever and I lost my family. I reported what happened to the police but their response was family issues should be handled within the family. The fundamental issue behind the death of a young woman from the conversion program is the the corruption of the whole Christian world represented by the CCK. The organization with the majority of the Presbyterian Church has been controversial in worshipping the Japanese emperor, support for the military dictatorship in the 1970s and illegal fund during the CCK presidential election. It is obvious that many followers leave church to pursue other religions. What can we say about the relationship between the government and church when the government is hesitant to protect citizens and religions are not willing to give love to those who lose faith? said Mr. Sang Ik Park, co-president of HAC.

EnglishNews 김빛이나 기자 2018-03-07 13:17

[Issue Track] Death of a Korean Woman in her 20s Due To Coercive Conversion of Religion

[Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Song Tae-Bok, Hwang Si-Yeon, Lee Mi-Ae] Controversy arose on the background of a womans death in her 20s, who has been appealing for family breakdown due to coercive conversion. The Police Department of Hwasun at Jeollanam-do has disclosed on 18ththat a husband and wife (aged 56 years and 55 years respectively) are being investigated for a charge of killing their own daughter (aged 25 years old) during the process of holding backthe daughter who attempted to escape from confinement. They are being charged for murder after having bound and gagged the daughter, who attempted to escape from a pension in Hwasun in the midst of a dispute regarding religion, at around 5:40pm on Dec 30, 2017. The Police has disclosed during the call with Cheonji Newspaper that the cause of death cannot exclude the possibility of suffocation and that a high possibility of cardiopulmonary arrest due to hypoxic hypoxia after conducting an autopsy. As a result of this, the Police is investigating the husband and wife accordingly. ◆ Background of Death that relates to Pastors of Counseling Center of Cult Religion A big question is on the surfacethough as it appears that the victim actually has submitted a formal appeal to the President of Republic of Korea herself in June 2017 before her death in request for legislating a new law that discriminates against religions as well as for shutdown of counseling center of cult religion, and legal punishment of coercive conversion education pastors by backing for such request that her happy family has eroded as a result of coercive conversion education. Hence, a big question whether the essence of her death is ultimately due to coercive conversion. According to the formal appeal of deceased, she has been forced to convert during a confinement for 44 days in 2016 at a Catholic Abbey, and ultimately has suffered to death despite concerns of recurrence. In the meantime, other question arises regarding a pension where the daughter was confined.The Cheonji Newspaper has found that the windows in the rooms were all locked as they were all nailed, making it a perfect location for confinement not to forget that this place is so well secluded that no other people outside would be aware for the screaming for help of rescue. A woman (alias: D aged 25 years old), who was delegated as the guardian of the victim, asserts that It seems that the deceased was kidnapped to the pension by her parents after such plot was meticulously implemented out with the authorities of counseling center of cult and that This abduct was to re-attempt for coercive conversion of religion after the unsuccessful first attempt that lasted for 44 days. And further added that When she realized this was not a family vacation, but a second attempt for coercive conversion, she tried for an escape, only to have her murdered on this occasion. D also shared that the Victims of coercive conversion generally all suffer constant kidnappings for another coercive education until they are really converted, and further mentioned that Those authorities of counseling center of cult, who are blinded for money and greed, instigate the family of the victims. D then emphasized that Coercive conversion is evidently a violation of the most basic constitution, and that a desperate countermeasure is in necessity.She also pointed an importance for a rigorous investigation that There are clear signs of the authorities in counseling center of cult involved in this particular case, and in order to find the truth of their involvement, it is imperative to investigate these authorities rigorously who are hiding behind the family of the victim as a legal shelter. The Coercive Education that D indicated is a coercion to convert ones religion which is driven by Counseling Center of Cult. The Counseling Center of Cult Korea is established nationwide under the leadership of Pastor Yong-Shik Jin, who was convicted crime for similar acts of coercive conversion activities by helping a victim (World Mission Society Church of God) for an involuntary admission to a mental hospital a big controversy as it was confirmed during the investigation that he has earned a profit of more than a million dollars.Continued oppression of human rights is not stopping these counseling center of cult to increase its controversial activities, and proportionally the numbers of victims increase dramatically. As the coercive conversion education completely violates the Freedom of Religion as per the constitution, such illegal activities primarily occur at isolated locations where seeking for rescueis not possible at all. In 2007 a husband has actually murdered his wife who enrolled at Shincheonji Church of Jesus for refusing to attend coercive conversion education. ◆Full Account of the Accident from Missing to Death According to D, who has reported missing of the victim on January 3, 2018, she has shared with the newspaper that the deceased has sent a text message to her church members in December 29 previous year that I wont be able to attend the evening meeting as I have to spend time with my family. Ever since, she has been missing from the 30th and onwards. D has revealed that the victim was always Deeply afraid of being forced to be taken for coercive conversion religion education and that D was elected to be a guardian in case there was any potential issue to the victim. An initial criminal investigation was conducted at the pension by the 119 Rescue Center on Dec 30th at around 5:40pm upon the victims father reported. The captain of police substation who was present at the site of crime has stated to the newspaper that We have reported this case as a mere physical assault since this was an internal conflict amongst family members. The jurisdiction of control has been handed over to the district police station. The victim was quickly sent over to the nearest hospital, only to be confirmed brain dead and that she would soon have a number of days to live. She was taken to a few hospitals here and there, and after 10 days of such incident, she was declared dead at a hospital on the 9th of January, 2018. One of the police officer,who was present at the examination of the scene on December 30th as well as at the autopsy, has stated to the newspaper that The thigh of the corpse has a clear bruise mark identified, and thus, we are waiting for the result of autopsy Both the victims parents and sister, who were present at the crime scene, are currently under investigation in state of no restraint. ◆Submitted Formal Petition for Punishment of Coercive Conversion Pastors In Her Living Years The Cheonji Newspaper was able to findduring the process of covering all the information, and confirm that the victim has actually composed herself and submitted a formal appeal to the President of Republic of Korea for Shutdown of counseling center of cult religion, and legal punishment of coercive conversion education pastors. According to the national appeal, the victim was confirmed for 44 days in a catholic abbey at a city Jangseong from July to September of 2016. She was a member of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, and was forced to convert her religion with such education. Several high-official authorities from the Counseling Center of Cult Korea have visited the abbey to conduct conversion education, and the victim had to endure a long 8-hours of relay time in hearing constant pressure to convert whilst being confined at the same time. According to the victims petition, The Head of Counseling Center of Cult Korea has ordered her sister to quit her job at a primary school so that she can solely commit in surveillance of the deceased, whereas the mother was also asked to quit her social welfare work likewise to have a close watch at her daughter. This has resulted in complete mistrust amongst family members, which ultimately led to the worst situation for the entire family. She concluded with an earnest request appeal for Closure of counseling center of cult religion, and legal punishment of coercive conversion education pastors as well as for the legislation of a new law that discriminates against religions. The victim added one last note that It has been revealed that there are over a thousand young people in this illegal kidnapping for coercive conversion education and confinement which are violate the basic human rights apart from myself. However, there was no tangible measures taken despite the serious warnings shared by the victim for the urge to take the relevant steps. ◆ Confinement at an abbey approximately for 40 days, The Pastor in a Counseling Center of Cult gets Involved The Cheonji Newspaper was able to identify and confirm that the deceased was an identical person who has attended an interview in October of 2016 I am a member of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Confined at a Catholic Abbey approximately for 40 days and been forced to attend coercive conversion religion education. During her interview back then, she has exposed that Ive been forced to attend coercive conversion religion educationin July of 2016 for approximately of 40 days without knowing the reasons why at a city Jangseong. Upon her arrival from the abbey in September, she has been told by a mother superior that she has done a great job, and hence felt it was extremely strange as The Abbey would only allow outside visitors to stay for a maximum of 3 days, instead of the 2 months. Further questioning that It would very likely be that such illegal coercive conversion religion education was pre-arranged between the Counseling Center of Cult Korea and the Abbey in agreement. The victim has learned of this plot by chance when she accidentally found the letter of her mother, which had details written of the coercive conversion religion education was initially arranged by the Counseling Center of Cult at Gwangju and that it was related to Association of the Victim Family to Shincheonji. The victim was thus able to confirm of the background of such plot to be driven and motivated by Counseling Center of Cult Korea. In addition, During the coercive conversion religion education in August 2016, one of the authorities of Counseling Center of Cult has pressured the Victim to abandon Shincheonji Church of Jesus so that she could attend the church that these pastors were part of in. The deceased had a serious aftereffects from thecoercive conversion religion education, and was suffering from constant fear of re-occurrence of such illegal kidnappings and confinement. Although she was Able to escape from the Abbey, I am no longer available to be together with my loved ones due to the concern that I really could be kidnapped. And appealed that It virtually is impossible to have a proper meal or sleep due to the serious aftereffects. The Victim also suffers pain as she shares Im in a constant fear even in the middle of daytime since Im afraid that I could be abducted to a car out of a sudden and that Everyday life is not possible anymore with such horror-like times are being spent on a daily basis. She has done the best to help stop from having another victim by formally composing and submitting an appeal to the President of Republic of Korea even amidst of such pain via a petition Please help the innocents by legislating a new law that discriminates against religions. And also to close downthe counseling center of cult religion, and to legallypunish those of coercive conversion education pastorsaccordingly.This regrettable appeal has now resulted in as a will.

EnglishNews 송태복 기자 2018-01-29 12:31

[Exclusive] Gandhi Non-Violent Peace Foundation, Publishes Thank-You Letter of Gorbachev and Others for Peace Award

Christian Broadcasting System (CBS) talks down the Foundation as A phantom organization without an official website and causes controversy 2 former presidents of India - senior advisors to the Foundation, which is headquartered in Oslo, Norway The Foundation, MandelaJimmy CarterGorbachev Thank-you letter published Different from the Gandhi Peace Awards accorded by the Indian government, Indira Gandhi Prize [Cheonji-Il-Bo =Lee, Ji-Su] There is growing interest on the activities of both HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) and Chairman Man-Hee Lee of HWPL ever since the HWPLs recent announcement. HWPL issued a statement last month to condemn the CBS for its denunciation of the peace activities by HWPL. CBS has continuously slandered HWPLs peace activities all along simply because Chairman Lee happens to be a chairman of a particular religious organization that is quickly growing in size - Shincheonji Church. In particular, CBS has claimed in July 19th that the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation for Non-Violent Peace Award, which Chairman Lee has been awarded, was given out by an organization that is uncertain and ambiguous. CBS further asserted that This particular award cannot be compared to those with the former president of the United States of American (Jimmy Carter) and former president of Soviet Union (Mikhail Gorbachev). CBS has slandered the detail of press release that HWPL has been awarded along with the explanation on the prize by the Foundation. However after all the coverage by the newspaper, it has been confirmed that both the former presidents have by fact been awarded by the Foundation, and such evidences are available by the thank-you letters (pictured below) sent to the Foundation by each respective parties. There are several peace prizes related to Gandhi Peace Awards in India, and among the many are the two which are Gandhi Peace Prize and Indira Gandhi Prize both are awarded by public institutions of India. Note that there are more institutions which use the name Gandhi in giving out awards accorded in an effort of promoting international peace. One of the Gandhi Foundation for Non-Violent Peace Awards is the one established in Oslo, Norway by the two gentlemen in 1988 Dr. Mohapatra (Chairperson of the House of Representatives) and Dr. Amalendu Guha (Professor and Director of the Institute for Alternative Development Research). Upon the establishment of the Foundation, the 2 former presidents of India (Gyani Zail Singh and Dr Venkataraman) have taken activities as advisors, and this Foundation has focused on Non-Violence which has received much attention to be recognized as one of the most non-public prestigious Gandhi Awards worldwide. A list of prize winners consist of eminent figures such as former president of the United States Jimmy Carter (1994), former president of the Republic of South Africa Nelson Mandela (1993) and former president of Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev (1995). Such information would have been obtained if enquired to the Foundation directly despite the fact that it does not have official website. Thus, it would be difficult to avoid the point that CBS has not sufficiently conducted the coverage for this matter, in fact the official related to the Foundation has further explained that it intentionally did not create the official website for the purpose of fairness in selecting the recipients of Awards. Note that there is another Korean who has been awarded the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation for Non-Violent Peace Award prior to Chairman Lee Dr. Young-Shik Cho in 1998, who founded Kyung Hee University- and this can be found via internet. Dr. Jyoti Mohapatra, the Secretary General of the Foundation, has pointed out to CBS by sending a letter of protest to both the CEO and chief editor of CBS that this absolutely is an irresponsible attitude of a press that has defamed the honorable value of award that recognizes the effort for international peace. HWPL has strongly condemned the CBS by stating Obstructing peace activities means supporting war for the CBSs negative attitude of defaming others including the organizations and international eminent figures who all have taken part in recognizing world peace. ▶ 한국어버전 [단독] 간디비폭력평화상 조직위, 고르바초프 등 수상 감사편지 공개 http://www.newscj.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=386850

EnglishNews 이지수 기자 2016-11-16 10:40

How is Shincheonji and Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) different?

[Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Yi, Som]There is growing attention on HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), a NGO that has hosted the Peace Festival for the 2nd Annual Commemoration of the WARP Summit on September 18th at Jamsil Olympic Stadium. Amongst these medias exist a few which maliciously intend on publishing false reports that HWPL is a disguised organization to that of Shincheonji, thus aiming to defame the value of world peace. Taking advantage of such false information, a few other Medias have also jumped on the bandwagon and have similarly published such malign articles. However, Shincheonji and HWPL are clearly two different entities according to both organizations. First and foremost, HWPL is a NGO registered on United Nations DPI that was established in 2012 for the purpose of world peace and cessation of war worldwide. According to HWPL, the organization is proactively conducting peace activities along with the IWPG (International Womens Peace Group) and IPYG (International Peace Youth Group) to end war globally. HWPL is conducting realistic peace activities by signing peace treaties with those more than 100 nations where Chairman Man-Hee Lee has himself visited on multiple times. Chairman Lee has suggested solutions for peace through both the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and the World Alliance of Religious Peace (WARP) both which aim respectively to achieve global peace by ending war and to united religion into one religion since it is religion that accounts more than 80% of global population. Chairman Lees Declaration of World Peace in May 25, 2013, was the foundation of such peace activities from the first place. The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) was proclaimed by HWPL in March this year at COEX Convention Center in Seoul, and the World Alliance of Religious Peace (WARP) offices were expanded to over 190 or more in 90 countries as of August this year. The WARP Summit is being held every September in Seoul ever since the first Summit in September 17, 2014, where the purpose has always been to Achieve world peace and inherit the legacy for the future generations. There are over tens of millions of members at HWPL which includes 70 domestic and over 100 overseas branches, and many ethnic groups are also members such as the Maya ethnic group (12 million people) and combined of 14 million people of IncaRomi ethnic group. In addition, 70 current and former heads of state, 300 current and former chief justices and religious leaders as well as all the state broadcasting medias officially act as ambassadors of HWPL. It is also noteworthy that HWPL has taken a great significant role in arbitrating the conflict in Mindanao at Philippines. HWPL has also established many peace schools around the world, thus recording various significant meanings to global peace that is naturally receiving wide attention from around the globe. Meanwhile Shincheonji was established in Gwacheon Gyeonggi Province in March 14, 1984. There are 95 churches under Shincheonji with 12 tribes, which has a completely different characteristics from that of HWPL. Unlike at HWPL where there are tens of millions of members, Shincheonji has approximately 200,000 believers who have completed their courses from the Zion Christianity Center. Shincheonji is evaluated as such that Bible is the most important and core reflection to the faith as this Church is established according to the Words of Bible As in heaven, so on Earth. Shincheonji is also known to have awakened the importance of faith based upon Bible.

EnglishNews 이솜 기자 2016-10-17 16:12

[2nd WARP Summit] Reactions of participants

Korean ▶ [global news CheonJi][만국회의 2주년] 주요 참석자ㆍ발제자, 세계에 동참 호소 [Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Baek Ji-Won]The 2nd Annual Commemoration of the WARP Summit and Peace Festival hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) ended in a grand scale. All the presenters of the Summit have urged the global citizens to participate in the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War which HWPL is pursuing for the future of humanity. H.E. Ivo Josipovic, Former President of Croatia We have a big responsibility to pass a world free of wars to the next generation. This particularly is essential to the political and religious leaders as this is ethical and logical challenges to all of us. Adel Omar Sherif, Deputy Chief Justice of Supreme Constitutional Court, Egypt I would sincerely appreciate to all of those involved in this project to build a dream for peace into reality. What an emotional event this is! Hrant Bagratyan, Former Prime Minister of Armenia I, and many others, are live witnesses of Chairman Lee and HWPL for their commitment and dedication for world peace. Our daily lives are slowly but gradually becoming peaceful. Tep Vong , Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia I strongly believe that by cooperation from all participants of all fields, we can take all those contributions for the sustainable peace, prosperity, and happiness of all people in this world. Adly Hussein, Vice Minister of Justice of Egypt The Declaration will help find solutions by figuring out the cause of conflict in a very progressive way.The DPCW should be adopted into an international law and be brought into the UN. Paula Lorena Rodriguez Lima, Senator of Parlamento Centroamericano, Guatemala It is also equally important to protect the human rights of women. It will be essential to promote activities by the representatives of women for each country by urging each of the governments to support the DPCW. Seyd Reza Hosseini Nassab, Grand Ayatola of Canada World of peace is paradise whereas it is hell with war. To accomplish holy objectives like peace, it is imperative to implement and legislate the DPCW into a valid international law soon. Edita Tahiri, Minister of Kosovo Our people really need peace. The DPCW must and will be successful because many policies forget about the real people, but this Declaration remembers its people. Leokadiia Gerasymenko, Head of Women's Union, Ukraine No country in this planet is guaranteed of peace and security today. Therefore we support the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). Yeonsook Lee, Former Minister of Korea Reunification must be done to finally fulfill peace. 3.6 billion women, who have produced half of the worlds population, must take the initiatives to end war. Odeta Nishani, First Lady of Albania This conference, working with various groups together, will have a chance to explore and find ways to realize-maybe smallbut significant steps towards a better future.

EnglishNews 백지원 기자 2016-10-06 21:10

[2nd WARP Summit] “I felt and absorbed the sincerity of the peace movement”

Korean ▶ [global news CheonJi][만국회의 2주년] 전쟁종식 평화운동의 진정성이 뼛속까지 느껴졌다 Admiration of HWPLs Organization and Sincerity Demonstrated the Republic of Korea as a nation of peace Much more enormous than the Olympics, Organization simply amazing [Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Song, Tae-Bok]This event clearly demonstrated the Republic of Korea as a nation of peace, and all participants have come to respect both the host of the event, Chairman Man-Hee Lee, and the Republic of Korea. The participants who attended the Peace Festival for the 2nd Annual Commemoration of the WARP Summit on the September 18th ,hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), showed the highest admiration to the hosts organized preparation of the event and its sincerity for peace. Dr. Prasanna Kumar Patasani, the Chairman of the Mahatma M.K. Gandhi Foundation for Non-Violent Peace, commented, It was a beautiful event and the organization of HWPL is magnificent. This awakened the importance of peace and cessation of war, and this kind of event was certainly needed to open up the hearts of all to take part in the peace movements. I believe that, through those leaders of the countries who have opened up their hearts from this event, it will be possible to bring the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) up to the United Nations and ultimately have the Declaration adopted into an international law. All of the reactions were identical regardless of the nationalityracereligionprofession. Elizabeth Padron, the President of the Women Lawyer International Federation of the Philippines, stated that, It was such an emotional event, very well organized and prepared. I felt that God was behind helping Chairman Lee. And further emphasized, What Chairman Man-Hee Lee is proceeding as to regards to implementing the DPCW into a practical international law is such an important task that it must be accomplished accordingly. And further commented, I will do my best to help and promote the peace movement of HWPL to my fellow colleagues once I return back to the Philippines. Al Jazeera Sudan Reporter Mohammed Eltayeb, who was attending his second event hosted by HWPL since March this year when the DPCW was proclaimed shared, The event was beautiful and magnificent, and [I]realized that there is a big role which the media has to take part in to promote peace movements. I plan to broadcast the event thoughtfully. ◆Much more enormous than the Olympics, the Organization of HWPL is simply amazing Former United Nations Ambassador, Mr. Keun Park stated, This is much more enormous than the Olympics. The organization of HWPL is simply amazing. The media must be more proactive to publicize these conferences. I am so proud that peace organizations such as HWPL are in Korea. He further pointed, Ive also been part of the Korean War as a soldier, and war is so tragic for everyone. We all need to be united for world peace. Bub-Il, Buddhist Monk of the National Buddhist Council for the Security of Korea could not hide his emotions. I personally and sincerely absorbed what Chairman Man-Hee Lees peace movement and cessation of war was about deep in my inner bones. This was not a peace festival by appearance, but in fact was a genuine event to really cease war and fulfill peace. I felt as if the war between North and South Korea has finally ended, and also wars all around the world permanently ended that led to this Peace Festival. Many participants, who also attended each fields of expertise sessions on the September 17th, also expressed high expectations of HWPLs peace activities. Mohammed Tawhidi Imam, the founder of the South Australian Islamic Association, stressed that, This WARP Summit is an event blessed by God because it is everyreligious persons wish to achieve peace through an alliance into one religion. Dr. Alireza Haghigh, who lectures at the University of Toronto, spoke, It is essential to arbitrate international conflicts and terrorism by the help of religion. It was further added that, HWPL is a very organized organization, and I truly believe their works will be successful as they pursue many important matters such as peace. Mihai Gheorghe Nedelcu, HWPL Ambassador and Representative of the Romi Alliance in Europe, said, I really feel that God is helping Chairman Lee. We plan to erect a Monument to Peace in Europe as a tribute to HWPLs peace movement. He also emphasized, I am convinced that Chairman Lees pursuance of DPCW will certainly become successful. He has already shown the world with many unbelievable activities. HWPL has an amazing organization, and there are many people around the globe like the Romi Alliance who support HWPLs activities, which will eventually be accomplished. ◆Active Promotion of the Implementation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War into International Law Unlike many other peace conferences where there simply are no solutions provided, the event hosted by HWPL and IWPG bore fruits of answers. Looking at the reactions of all the participants, it was not so difficult to realize that the sincere peace movements of HWPL were the main source. Two separate conferences were hosted on the September 19th,the last day of the event, by HWPL and IWPG, respectively: the Implementation of DPCW, and the Women Leaders Network Forum. Yeonsook Lee, Former Minister of Womens Affairs of Korea, presented on this day and took note, I was amazed by the genuine passion of IWPG members and organization. Moreover, the sincere hope for peace in return for nothing was just genuine and truthful. Ladi Agyer Madaki, a Nigerian Women lawyer of the International alliance stated, It was such an emotional Forum, and was a precious time as I was able to learn an answer as to how women can also participate inthe peace movement. She shared her plans that, I plan to build a connection between IWPG and the International Womens Bar Association so that the lawyers in each of the countries can actively endorse to sign forthe Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). I will also help encourage both women and Nigerian students to participate in the peace activities. Amarjit Kaur Doowa, a spritual leader from Brahma Kumaris University in Thailand, emphasized, It was a great Forum which everyone could deeply feel the power of IWPG. Once I return back to Thailand, I will share my experience with religious and political leaders so that they could all sign the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), and even for them to endorse the signing of the DPCW together.

EnglishNews 송태복 기자 2016-10-06 20:57

[2nd WARP Summit] “With the power of 3.6 billion women to immediately realize the Peace”

▶ Korean[IWPG포럼] 36억 여성 힘으로 전쟁종식 국제법 제정 속히 이루자 2016 IWPG Network Forum 1000 Women Leaders Fulfilling world peace with the mind of a mother [Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Jang, Su-Kyung]World Women leaders gathered together on September 19th to urge forthe implementation of the international law for peace and cessation of war and also for the reunification of the Korean Peninsula. There is an unusual interest on the movement of the female leaders, as tensions are highly elated in the international community with the continuous acts of terror as well as a series of missile tests by North Korea. Almost a thousand Women leaders across the globe gathered at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas Hotel,urging for theImplementation of international law for peace and cessation of war in order to fulfill world peace at the IWPG Network Forum. With the 2nd Annual Commemoration of the WARP Summit, the Forum was organized by the International Womens Peace Group (IWPG) under the theme, The Role of 3.6 Billion Women in Realizing Peace and Cessation of War. The Forum was attended by nearly 1,000 prominent leaders from Korea and abroad including Mrs.TeiraengMaamau, First Lady of Kiribati, Ms.EditaTahiri, Minister for Dialogue of the Government of Kosovo, and 100 university students, the next generation offemale leaders. The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), proclaimed on the 14th of March by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), was particularly emphasized during the Forum for adoption into an international law at the United Nations to realize peace. IWPG Chairwoman Nam-Hee Kim stated, The unique power of women which the men dont possess, only that mothers mind can fulfill world peace. She further added, The humanity that first experiences warmness is the mother. Chairwoman Kim mentioned that the maternal instinct of women is the fundamental element to keep all children safe from hazard and is the solution to creating peace. She stated, Women have a unique power of leading humanity into peace and that If half of the worlds population is women, humanity will not be able to witness peace without making use of womens potentials. Presentations were followed by Chairman Man-Hee Lee of HWPL, Edita Tahiri (Minister for Dialogue of the Government of Kosovo), Yeonsook Lee (Former Minister of Womens Affairs of Korea) and Leokadiia Gerasymenko (President of the Womens Union of Ukraine). Chairman Man-Hee Lee of HWPL addressed the 1,000 participants in the Forum, Leaders at this place must become the key of peace that opens the hearts of 3.6 billion women globally, and those 3.6 billion women must continue to open the hearts of the political leaders of each country in order fulfill peace. Chairman Lee particularly emphasized, When asked by the descendants what their mothers have done in their times, there will be no answer more valuable than letting them know that their mothers have worked hand-in-hand with IWPG to cease wars and to fulfill peace in this globe as one family. Minister Edita Tahiri of the Government of Kosovo followed, My country has suffered a tragic experience of ethnic genocide. In that sense, my people and I earnestly feel the significance of war and the need for peace. She further explained, I have no doubt of the success of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) because many policies forget about the people, however this Declaration remembers the people. Having experienced the tragedy of the Korean War herself at the age of 14, Yeonsook Lee (Former Minister of Womens Affairs of Korea) shared her brief emotional reunion with her elder sister at the age of 80 thanks to the help of the Red Cross Society. She emphasized, The reunification of Koreathe only divided nation in the worldis the key challenge to world peace. 3.6 billion women, who have produced half of the worlds population, must take the initiatives to end wars and achieve global peace. Leokadiia Gerasymenko, President of the Womens Union of Ukraine, expressed the hardships both women and children are going through after the war in Ukraine. She stated, Approximately 2 million childrens lives are under threat. A few thousand of those children have become orphans as a result of the war. Ukraine hopes this situation resolves in a peaceful manner. Therefore we support the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). 100 new members from 6 countries were appointed to the IWPG Peace Committee after the Forum on this day. The Committee hereafter will continue to promote IWPG peace activities such as urging for theimplementation of international law for peace and cessation of war. Ladi Agyer Madaki, a Nigerian Women lawyer of the International alliance, who attended the Conference shared her plans.Once I return back to Nigeria, I will build a connection between IWPG and the Nigerian Bar Association so that the lawyers in Nigeria could actively endorse to sign for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War. IWPG is a NGO which was established to protect the valuable lives of human beings and to pass on to successive generations an invaluable inheritance of a world free of wars. IWPG has over 200 branches worldwide today, and cooperates with approximately 100 organizations on peace activities.

EnglishNews 장수경 기자 2016-10-06 20:53

[2nd WARP Summit] “The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War to the UN”

Korean ▶[HWPL국제법 컨퍼런스] 지구촌 전쟁종식 평화선언문을 유엔으로 International Law Conference Chairman Man-Hee Lee Peace, Protect the Legacy for future generations Each nations announce to urge for bring in a Bill to the UN Participants also urge for Enactment of DPCW [Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Lim Mun-Sik]Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a non-profit NGO which initiates world peace activities worldwide today, has urged on the September 19th for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) to be brought up to the United Nations. The DPCW has been stipulated, and thus proclaims for global legislation of peace and cessation of war such as the prohibition of acts of aggression and weapons in order to bring world peace and protect the legacy for future generations. During his keynote speech at a Conference for the Implementation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War where a thousand participants including head of states, chief justices, religious leaders, IGOs and NGOs attended from around the world, Chairman Man-Hee Lee has presented that DPCW has laid out a foundation for world peace without war and further urged The head of states, ministers and legislative bodies should all closely discuss on the matters of DPCW, and should they all agree that this bill does significantly help the lives of humanity, it is imperative for all to endorse the legislation of peace to the United Nations. DPCW, which was proclaimed on 14th of March by HWPL, is consisted of 10 Articles and 38 Clauses based on the Charter of the United Nations. The main point of the DPCW is to further strengthen the existing international law that intends to prevent war. Much detail is included such as prohibiting the use of force, threat and weapons as well as reducing war potentials as a few examples. The unique differentiation of the DPCW is the articles on promoting peaceful coexistence amongst religions and spreading a culture of peace. The Conference, which was on the third day of The 2nd Annual Commemoration of the WARP Summit, was hosted with an objective to discuss the detailed plan of actions to endorse the legislation of DPCW to the United Nations for practical use as an international law. Chairman Lee encouraged the participants Should we only watch the world collapse from distance apart without any effort of help? Shouldnt we pass on to successive generations an invaluable inheritance of a world free of wars which both the heaven and earth want?. He added Many participants have attended here, let us join together and make world a better place. Ms. Nam-Hee Kim, Chairwoman of International Womens Peace Group (IWPG), has voiced War has to be ceased in this generation once and for all. War takes away valuable lives of youth, and is the cause for suppression of human rights blind spot. She added the importance for the legislation of international law for cessation of war by stating Support from worldwide has its own limitations, and there is no safety device to protect the lives of the youths who are the victims of war. IWPG has been working closely with HWPL in the Legislate Peace Campaign, a global peace advocacy movement which aims to establish an enforcement law compatible with the DPCW. Key personnel of this Conference all voiced with a consensus for the need of DPCW to be quickly legislated in practice. The former Vice President of Afghanistan, Hon. Karim Khalili, pitiful with the reality of war and violence at the native country, stated Although achieving peace is not a simple and easy task to be done, DPCW proclaimed by HWPL would be an actual valid and valuable measure of plan to cease war and establish peace. Adly Hussein, the Vice Minister of Justice of Egypt spoke DPCW is very important that it will protect the human rights and thus fulfill peace. It will help find solutions by figuring out the cause of conflict in a very progressive way and further voiced that the DPCW should be adopted into international law and be brought into the United Nations.Heads of state must agree to the DPCW to be brought in a bill. A nation could guarantee absolute peace to its people should that nation has its base upon international law founded on the fundamentals of peace. Carlos Villan Duran, President of the Spanish Society for International Human Rights Law (SSIHRL), emphasized the active participation of civil society together with each of the government bodies on the implementation process and progressive development of the DPCW, and further stated that The DPCW provides positive elements to foster the dialogue and reconciliation among religions. International law and organizations settling international disputes through peaceful means are the most effective way. Paula Lol ena Rodriguez Lima, the Representative of Latin-America Alliance stated that To fulfill world peace and cessation of war, it is also equally important to protect the human rights of women, and further stated that It will be essential to promote activities by the representatives of women for each countries by urging each of the governments to supportthe DPCW. With that, our rights will be guaranteed and our lives will be protected. The 2nd Annual Commemoration of the WARP Summit which was hosted by HWPL and superintended by IWPG and IPYG (International Peace Youth Group), proceeded from the September 17th to 19th for 3 days. Former heads of state, ministers, UN officials, chief justices, NGOs, leaders from womenyouthreligion and international press attended on the first day on the September 17th where they all represented each fields of expertise, and the event proceeded with heated debates as to how to develop the DPCW to be brought into the United Nations. Approximately 100,000 crowd gathered at Jamsil Olympic Stadium for the Peace Festival for the 2nd Annual Commemoration of the WARP Summit on the September 18th where 11,440 youths displayed magnificent and emotional card section on a theme War and Peace, particularly moving the audience.

EnglishNews 임문식 기자 2016-10-06 20:52

[2nd WARP Summit] World saturated deep into Peace

Korean▶[만국회의 2주년] 평화에 흠뻑 빠졌다 국경종교 초월한 대축제, 세계인이 감동 100,000 crowd participate from over 130 countries worldwide Wish for World Peace [Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Baek, Ji-Won]Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) From the Peace March parade by the 12 branches of HWPL, a magnificent and emotional card section on the theme War and Peace by 11,440 youths from the IPYG (International Peace Youth Group), a mass game performance onthe unification of Korea, an Arirang performance by the peace art group, and to the lantern performance together with the 100,000 audience. Peace has literally saturated deep into the hearts of all who have participated in the 2nd Annual Commemoration of the WARP Summit and Peace Festival on the September 18th at Jamsil Olympic Stadium in Seoul. From those crowds who have prepared for months for this day to those distinguished guests worldwide who have participated in this Festival were all moved and filled with Global Village with Peace and No War. ◆Deep appreciation and agreement for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) Over 100,000 crowds gathered, including 1,000 participants from 130 countries worldwide, to attend the Peace Festival hosted by HWPL which was truly the largest scale peace festival on earth. All the distinguished guests, both domestic and from overseas, have deeply appreciated and agreed on the atrocity of war and the peace movement of HWPL. They have all endorsed for the biggest support for the DPCW as well. Ivo Josipovic (Former President of Croatia) stated during his greeting speech, Human history has been continuous with devastating war, pain and death. Even today, there is tragic war and terror all around the world where innocents are being sacrificed. Both the DPCW and Chairman Man-Hee Lees commitment for peace have been the most important contribution for world peace so far. He also added that, In the coming future, peace will become reality, light will overcome the darkness in this long fight. We are truly proud for both our and HWPLs contributions for peace. We endorse and support the peace movement and sincerely thank you for your invitation to contribute in permanent world peace. Hrant Bagratyan (Former Prime Minister of Armenia) has also given full support to the DPCW by stating, Poverty, Terror and War cannot be detained by the existing law and rules. ◆Abundant variety of spectacles at the global peace festival The theme Peace caught the strong attention from all the audience due to its artistic high-quality as well as the meaning and significance of each part of the performances. In particular, 11,440 youths from the IPYG (International Peace Youth Group) displayed a magnificent and emotional card section on the theme War and Peace, which looked like multiple perfect scenes from a movie in panoramic views, presenting phenomenal contents and production ability. The Peace March parade that proceeded prior to the card section was a cheerful excitement of peace at the Olympic Stadium, making the place a mini global village. The opening ceremony consisted of the 12 branches of HWPL performingwhile entering the Stadium. Performances includedthe Shilla Dynastys royal carriage procession, the Hangeul (Korean alphabet) performance, traditional masks, traditional loop flights, traditional Korean music, and many others along with the co-existence of traditional Korean and global culture. The Olympic spirit to commemorate war cessation was also celebrated through a variety of track and field events, as well as a mass game for the hope of the unification of Korea, which passed special emotions to the audiences. The excitement and emotions of the festival continued to late night as 100,000 participants all together turned on their mobile phones to conduct a lantern performance in the midst of darkness. The dark stadium was filled with beautiful lights by the people as if the longing for light and peace have been fulfilled. Nationality, religion and generation gaps were no longer barriers to anyone and it was beyond such restrictions that all the participants danced hand-in-hand in sincerity for peace. Bub-Il, Buddhist Monk shared his genuine feelings, This definitely is the most valuable day of my 80 years of life. I personally and sincerely absorbed what Chairman Man-Hee Lees peace movement and cessation of war was about deep in my inner bones.

EnglishNews 백지원 기자 2016-10-06 20:45

[2nd WARP Summit] “Implement and adopt the ‘DPCW’ for World peace”

Korean▶[만국회의 2주년] 전쟁종식 국제법 제정해 후대에 평화세계 물려줍시다 2nd WARP Summit of HWPL Set as a Global Peace Festival Chairman Man-Hee Lee Global Citizens want Peace 3 Days of In-Depth discussion on implementation of the DPCW to the United Nations Global Leaders all urge for adoption and implementation of the DPCW [Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Myeong, Seung-Il]Dear family members of our global citizens. Let us all urge together to those nations worldwide to enforce and adopt the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) into effect. I urge the Presidents and Head of States to sign the DPCW, which is consisted of 10 Articles and 38 Clauses based on the Charter of the United Nations, in order to provide global citizens with prosperity and peace. Let us fulfill permanent peace at this generation and protect this legacy for further generations. The voice for the adoption of the DPCW for world peace and cessation of war has never been this escalated, which was reflected during the 2nd Annual Commemoration of the World Alliance of Religions Peace (WARP) Summithosted by HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), and co-hosted by the IWPG (International Womens Peace Group) and the IPYG (International Peace Youth Group)proceeded from the September 17th to 19th for three days in Republic of Korea. Global leaders from various sectors, such as politics, religion, women, and youth, all gathered to solidify support for permanent peace in this generation. The objective of this conference was to bring up theadoption ofthe DPCW, which was proclaimed in March, into a practical international law at the United Nations, and its implementation.Approximately 10,000 participants from 130 countries attended the conference, such as distinguished guests: Ivo Josipovic (Former President of Croatia), Hon. Karim Khalili (former Vice President of Afghanistan), in order to extensively discuss the implementation of the DPCW into an effective international law. An in-depth debate and discussion took place during the 3-day commemoration. On the September 17th, the first day,the event began with group sessionsin their respective specialty fields with former Head of States, Ministers, UN officials, chief justices, female, youth, religious leaders, IGOs, NGOs, as well as international press, all who gathered together to discuss how to effectively urge to bring the DPCW forward to the United Nations and to adopt the DPCW into an international law. The sessions were specifically divided into the following: the Forum for the Implementation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War, the 4th HWPL International Law Peace Committee Session, Global Religious Leaders Conference, and Conference of Media for Legislation of the DPCW of International Law. Chairman Man-Hee Lee of HWPL emphasized, There shall be no more youths in this world to be sacrificed as a result of war. Our important mission today is to provide this young generation with prosperity and peace. The Korean peninsula should be re-unified at once. He further urged that should all heads of states sincerely wish to avoid war and to embrace peace, they must immediately sign the DPCW into effect. On the September 18th, the second day, was an enormous peace event that took place at Jamsil Olympic Stadium in Seoul with more than 100,000 gathering for the ceremony. 11,440 youths displayed a magnificent and emotional card section with the theme, War and Peace, particularly moving the audience, and giving a good expectation to the participants that the Republic of Korea will be the center of world peace in the future. On the September 19th, the last day, was a Conference for the Implementation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War. The objective of this conference was to discuss among all experts at their respective fields as to how to bring forward the DPCW, which was proclaimed in March, to the United Nations and to have it legislated for practical use as an international law. Almost 1,000 female world leaders gathered together and raised a unified voice at the IWPG Network Forum stating, The DPCW must be endorsed and implemented as a legitimate international law. Chairwoman Nam-Hee Kim of the IWPG presented, Women have a unique power of leading the humanity into peace. She further voiced, If half of the worlds population is women, humanity will not be able to witness peace without making use of womens potentials. Almost 100 international media participated from 34 countries such as Qatars Al Jazeera, United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA) and Chinas CCTV, who allpaid full attention to the event. Elizabeth Kachin, a reporter from PTV stated, I am delighted to know that prominent international media such as the UNCA has great interest in this Summit. It is very important for all reporters from their own respective press to know the peace movements of HWPL. ◆HWPL - An Organization of Rapid Action HWPL has quickly taken the promise, which it made 2 years ago at the World Alliance of Religions Peace (WARP) Summit in September 18th of 2014, into action. Not only has HWPL proclaimed the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), but it has also very rapidly been able to unify the various religions. The HWPL International Law Peace Committee was founded, on the day of the 1st Annual Commemoration of the WARP Summit in September 18th of 2015, which is comprised of experts of international lawyers. The draft of the DPCW was presented in London during the 2nd HWPL International Law Peace Committee Session on November 12th to 14th of 2015. Furthermore, the DPCW was proclaimed to the world on March 14th this year, just four months after the 2nd Peace Committee Session. The DPCW is consisted of 10 Articles and 38 Clauses based on the Charter of the United Nations. Much detail is included, such as prohibiting the use of force, threat and weapons, as well as reducing war potentials, to name a few. The unique differentiation of the DPCW from others are the articles on promoting peaceful coexistence amongst religions and spreading a culture of peace. In addition, various religious leaders are working closely to unite religions as one under God after establishing the HWPL World Alliance of Religions Peace Offices where they objectively compare their scriptures from one another. Since 80% of wars in this global village is due to conflicts of religion, it is the intent to unify religion into one that has the most credible scripture of all. The international press and all the heads of respective organizations are urging their respective heads of states to have a close look at the DPCW and to sign accordingly.

EnglishNews 명승일 기자 2016-10-06 20:42

[CCE Victims Union Interview①] “Shincheonji was correct and Coercive Conversion Education was wrong, Could not follow what was wrong”

v:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} - Personal Meeting Reasons for carrying Shincheonji faith despite the coercive conversion education - 4 people were in coercive conversion education from Pastor Shin this year - They were tied with cable-ropes and duct tape by their own families, and taken to coercive conversion pastors - Listening to violent slander whilst confined in a room without a light being penetrated - Seeing a contradictory coercive conversion education pastor face-to-face gave a stronger conviction that Shincheonji is truth - Those victims who were converted were because exhausted and tired - Even if the kidnappings are reported to Police, the victims are sent back to their parents at home - Coercive conversion education is more than a matter of religion, it is a crime on basic human rights - Number of victims more than a thousand, repetitive damages are at least twice to four times [Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Kang, Su Kyung] It was a big topic when Shincheonji believers gathered and held a large parade on April 29th urging for closure of CBS and Christian Council of Korea (CCK). The extent of seriousness was reemphasized as several Shincheonjibelievers presented their own damaged cases from coercive conversion education and urged for closure of such illegal education via press conference. 6 people, including the 4 victims kidnapped to the education in January and April respectively, the mother (Mi-Jung Park) who attempted to kidnap her own son to the education and Byoung-Hoon Yoon (Representative of Coercive Conversion Education Victims Union in the Northern Region of Gyeonggi Province) attended the meeting on the topic of Reasons for carrying Shincheonji faith despite the coercive conversion educationon the 24th. The 4 victims who were all kidnapped by their own parents were in their 20s. Han of John Tribes Chambit Church, Pyo of Thaddaeus Tribes Daegu Church, Hong Shin of Simon Tribes Yeongdeungpo Church are the 4 victims. They commonly shared about the nightmares of the process to coercive conversion education and indeed were horror to hear and learn about it. After only learning that they were keeping in faith of Shincheonji religious doctrine, their parents have contacted coercive conversion education pastors and have suddenly changed violently. What exactly were the details of discussion between parents and pastors, and what have these young people gone through. A series of questions and answers were conducted. － When and how were you kidnapped to coercive conversion education. Shin: The 2 men employed by my parents suddenly entered my room and tied both my hands and feet and gagged my mouth with a duct tape in January. I was then taken to Yangpyeong in a motel for confinement and forced to take coercive conversion education for 17 days. The motel room was installed that one cannot exit from the room, but only the education pastors and parents had free access. I realized that my parents planned this in advance with the conversion pastors after they learned about my faith in Shincheonji. It was noteworthy that my parents were particularly nice to me by giving generous pocket money and by having frequent delicious dinners just a few days before the kidnapping. Hong: Although my parents were aware of my faith in Shincheonji, I believed that they respected my decision in this faith. That came out to be wrong.Late April, my parents suddenly rushed into my room, pressed me hard to eventually tie my wrist and ankle with ropes, and also gagged and blindfolded me. They even ripped my clothes after suspecting if there was any trace detector in my clothes. When I woke up I was in a room all welded in chains. After 20 days of confinement I was able to escape by jumping out of the window on the 3rd floor. Pyo: I was sleeping at bed in April 1st and a man along with my parents suddenly entered to tie my wrist and ankle and also gagged with duct tapes. I was also blindfolded and taken from my home in Daegu to an apartment in Gumi. Windows were all covered with wooden board so that only a few light could penetrate. My hands hand was tied to my mothers hand, and was confined in that condition for over a month. My mothers health worsened, so I pretended as if I was converted so that my mother could get treatment at my sisters place. During follow-up education in Seoul when the security was loose, Iwas able to escape successfully. Han: My cousin lured me into a trap when she asked for a dinner at a motel in Jincheon. My parents were already waiting in that motel and confined me into a room all covered with wood boards. My father intimidated me asserting that I will not be able to go out without coercive conversion education. My hands were tied with my fathers. I was not allowed to use the restroom; it was a sexual humiliation because I had to solve urine and feces on a plastic bag beside my father. It was intolerable. After 10 hours of coercive conversion education on a daily basis was a torment both physically and mentally.I had further 21 days of education once I was moved to Guri Church. － The environment of coercive conversion education is similar as well as the process of being kidnapped to the education places. Hong: The windows are all covered with wooden boards and even the ventilator. At some occasions it was even difficult to breathe properly. Pyo: The ways of locking the doors are all identical; they were all locked from the outside. Again, the windows are all covered by wooden boards so that lights do not penetrate. The main doors are always locked with dual lock-ups. － How do they check whether youve been converted. Shin: They ordered me to say foul words on the Leader of Shincheonji. With that they would believe that I have been converted. Hong: That is exactly the same. Logically thinking, it is natural to pay a respect to someone elder, however forcing someone to say horrible words to an elderly is just so absurd and unacceptable.

EnglishNews 강수경 기자 2016-09-16 12:22

[Interview] Lawyer “coercive conversion education, unlawfulness very clear… active intervention by public power needed”

v:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} Criteria for punishment exists according to ConstitutionCriminal Law Religious matter amongst family Reluctant to intervene Aim to change awareness by amending current law [Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Kim, Min Ah] The solution to ease damage of coercive conversion education is actually already in place under the current legal framework. The problem is that because this issue is strongly related amongst family that one tends to either avoid the intervention from the first place or to cope with a lukewarm measure from constitutional and criminal law enforcement. There is a strong needs forproper perception to have correct awareness as well as seriousness on this matter. According to Coercive Conversion Education (CCE) Victims Union, the case for such has increased over 100 times on a yearly basis. During these processes follow kidnapping, confinement, violent languages and assaults, and even forced confinement to mental hospital when the victim does not agree to convert to the demanded religion. Mr. Park(49), who has advised on this case, has pointed out from the interview with our newspaper on the May 11th that coercive conversion education is indeed clearly unlawful; however only for the government authority to conclude such case as merely religious matters amongst family members makes it a problem to solve the case for the victims. According to the Lawyer, people have the freedom of religion under the Article 20 paragraph 1 makes it a basic human rights regarding choosing religion. In addition, freedom of religion includes the freedom to conversion from one to the other, and with this fundamental background, forcing someone to convert religion is a clear violation to basic human rights based on the constitution. Lawyer Park explains that the coercive conversion education is applicable to special charge for injuring a person (Article 258, paragraph 2), special charge for assault (Article 261), special charge arrestconfinement (Article 278), special charge for intimidation (Article 284), special charge for coercion (Article 324) and a few others more, which are all results of kidnapping, confinement, violent languages and assaults. He pointed out that Damages caused from coercive conversion education are all applicable to criminal charges as a result of crimes committed during the processes. However the problem is that the government authority considers such cases as merely religious matters amongst family members which ultimately make it a problem to solve as they are very reluctant to intervene from the first place. In addition he concluded that If discrimination against religious minorities are applied to criminal regulation through a prohibition on discrimination act, one can expect to see more active execution of such laws that will certainly help change awareness to respect the freedom of religion as an overall.

EnglishNews 김민아 기자 2016-09-15 21:40

“Coercive conversion education-Cannot forgive the atrocity of CBS” Victim appeals the agony

v:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} [Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Park, Jun Sung] 100,000 Shincheonji believers paraded around the Christian Broadcasting System (CBS) Headquarter and its other offices nationwidein the afternoon of April 29th urging to close down the CBS and Christian Council of Korea (CCK). 10,000 Shincheonjibelievers and victims of coercive conversion educationhave gathered in front of CBS Headquarter in Mokdong Seoul to strongly denounce distorted reports by biased and untruthful Medias directly aimed at Shincheonji. The victim presented her painful experience and has urged for the closure of CBS.

EnglishNews 박준성 기자 2016-09-14 11:20

[100,000 Shincheonji people in a rally] Around 10,000 people gathered in Seoul “Closure of CBS whichincites illegalcoercive conversion education”

[Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Park, Jun Sung] 100,000 Shincheonji believers paraded around the CBS Headquarter and its other offices nationwidein the afternoon of April 29th urging to close down the CBS and CCK. 10,000 Shincheonjibelievers and victims of coercive conversion education have gathered in front of CBS Headquarter in Mokdong Seoul on this day to strongly denounce distorted reports by biased and untruthful Medias directly aimed at Shincheonji. A victim of coercive conversion education stated that Ive been confinedto a mental hospital twice simply because I did not agree the religious dogma of the coercive conversion education pastor and further urgedthat Closureof CBS which has distorted the truth and has become one with those coercive conversion education pastors, who are only obsessed with making money.

EnglishNews 박준성 기자 2016-09-14 11:15

The Coercive Conversion Education (CCE) Victims Union “Almost a thousand people are victims to coercive conversion education”… Appeal for ‘Help’

v:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} [Cheonji-ilbo(H.E. Times)=Park, Jun Sung] Coercive Conversion Education (CCE) Victims Union has released a press conference before the National Assembly in Yeouido Seoul on the April 29th urging for halt of coercive conversion education. The CCE Victims Union has appealed for halt at the entrance gate of National Assembly stating that Simply because onesbelief in a religion is different from others, almost a thousand of those have been victims of kidnapping and confinement, divorce as well as forced resignation from jobs andschools since 2007.

EnglishNews 박준성 기자 2016-09-14 10:56

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