New pilot program allows Canadians to privately sponsor North Korean refugees

Sam Kim's first two escape attempts with his family from North Korea were unsuccessful. 

He first left at the age of six with his mom and grandmother. 

Both times, Kim, now 27, says his mom was sent to a labour camp, where she was interrogated constantly, punished and tortured.

The family was successful only after attempting to escape a third time. Today, Kim is now a permanent resident, after living in Canada for 14 years. 

Now, he says he's hopeful a new pilot sponsorship program launching in Canada can help others like him. 

"When Canadians help North Korean escapees, they're helping someone like my mom, my grandma and myself," Kim said. 

Launched by HanVoice, a Canadian non-profit focusing on North Korean human rights, the new pilot program will allow Canadians to privately sponsor and resettle certain North Korean refugees. 

The group will be working in partnership with the Canadian government, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The only other countries that currently accept North Korean refugees include the United States and South Korea. Though according to HanVoice, Canada is the only country that allows refugees to resettle through a private sponsorship mode. 

According to Sean Chung, executive director of HanVoice, this move comes after eight years of lobbying the federal government. 

"For a group that is fleeing a regime that has deprived them of choice, I think the best thing that we can offer is more choices and where they want to start a life," he said. 

In a statement sent to CBC Toronto, the IRCC said most North Koreans have been able to find a home in South Korea, which is why Canada does not normally resettle North Koreans. However, the immigration minister has the authority to approve a public policy, which would enable the department to consider North Korean cases. 

As a result, a small number of North Korean women and their families outside North Korea may be considered for resettlement to Canada, it said.

The IRCC added that once cases have been referred to the department by HanVoice, individuals will still need to meet admissibility criteria to enter Canada. That includes health, criminality and security screening.