North Korea (MNN) ― Seven key nations have agreed on new U.N. sanctions against North Korea for conducting a second nuclear test.
According to Reuters, the draft resolution "demands that (it) not conduct any further nuclear test or any launch using ballistic missile technology."
The United States was initially pushing for more financial sanctions against Pyongyang, but the resolution instead discourages new financial commitments except for humanitarian/development projects.
The resolution also expands the partial arms embargo and requests that sales be reported to the United Nations. The last part of the action requires North Korea sanctions committee to update its list of companies aiding Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs within 30 days.
Glenn Penner with Voice of the Martyrs Canada says the move won't do much to improve the situation for believers. "Christians are viewed with great suspicion in North Korea already. They are viewed as an enemy of the state, and so if they're discovered, they're imprisoned, tortured, and often killed at the best of times."
Their team notes that speaking out against Kim Jong Il or showing signs of hostility towards his regime carries with it severe consequences, including detention in concentration and prison camps. Estimates suggest roughly 200,000 North Koreans, many of whom are believed to be Christians, are behind bars.
Religious prisoners are often subjected to harsher treatment in an effort to force them to renounce their faith. When they refuse, they are often tortured to death. Those caught praying are beaten and tortured.
Many Christians, isolated and often facing extreme danger, feel forgotten by believers elsewhere. However, Penner says their team is active, though underground. "We are able to help the believers in North Korea, and we are letting them know that they have not been forgotten. [We're doing] everything from helping provide food to providing training and Christian literature."
Keep praying for the Christians in North Korea. As tensions increase, so will their persecution, Penner explains. "There are more believers there than I think most people would suspect. They do worship in very small groups very secretly. There are deliberate attempts by the North Korean authorities to infiltrate them. Pray for their security, pray for their safety, and pray that they'll continue to grow in the grace of God."
