With borders closed and security increased, COVID-19 has made it harder than ever for North Korean refugees to escape.
Between April and June 2019, 320 refugees fled to South Korea. In 2020, the number of those who made it across the border amounted to only 12.
According to the Ministry of Unification in South Korea, these numbers are the lowest ever.
Meanwhile, North Korea continues to claim that not one case of COVID-19 has been detected in the country. But according to the World Health Organisation, at least 25,551 people have been quarantined in the last few months. The Daily NK also claims that the virus is to blame for the deaths of at least 200 North Korean soldiers.
In response to the virus, security across North Korea has increased. Authorities are also enforcing the wearing of face masks and have forbidden all public gatherings. Temperature checks, publicly available hand sanitisers and strict social distancing are still required.
As Christians remain in North Korea, the hardest place to follow Jesus, please continue praying.
Pray For North Korea:
- Pray the hearts of North Korean authorities will be opened to God’s Word and that they be equipped with wisdom to manage the pandemic.
- Pray God will provide for Christians who desperately need food, water and shelter.
- Pray for safety and protection over Christians in North Korea who risk everything to follow Jesus
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