By Lee Chi-dong
WASHINGTON, April 26 (Yonhap) -- Activists working to improve North Korea's human rights situation will stage an intensive campaign worldwide next week to raise public awareness of the problem, a main organizer said Friday.

   They plan to hold various events in Washington, Seoul and other cities to mark the 10th annual North Korea Freedom Week from April 28 through May 5, according to Susan Sholte, head of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, based in Washington.

   Her group will work with other organizations and people supporting efforts to address the North Korean human rights issue.

   A special concert, titled "A Night of Hope," will kick off North Korea Freedom Week in Washington at 7 p.m. Sunday.

   This year, the coalition will focus on collecting online petitions demanding China's new president, Xi Jinping, stop repatriating North Korean defectors.

   It has designated May 2 as Worldwide Awareness Day for North Korean Refugees.

   "Our focus is to have many Chinese embassies and consulates receive petitions to Xi Jinping on May 2 calling for the end to the illegal, inhuman and brutal repatriation of North Korean refugees. Many coordinators are also sponsoring events to raise awareness of this issue," Scholte said in an emailed message.

   In addition, various events will take place throughout North Korea Freedom Week in Seoul and several other South Korean cities, including a photo exhibition on North Korean human rights conditions, seminars and rallies, she added.

   lcd@yna.co.kr
leechidong@gmail.com
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