Youngah Lee
Youngah is a peace activist from South Korea. She works for People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD), a non-governmental organization that works on promoting people’s participation in government decision-making processes and socio- economic reforms through transparency and accountability.
Youngah monitors government policies on national defence and diplomacy and works to resolve the war crisis in the Korean Peninsula and establish a peace regime through advocacy. Additionally, she researches and drafts proposals for alternative policies to establish peace in the Korean Peninsula and enhance the protection of human rights in the region.
Since having a newly- elected government in 2022, the human rights landscape in South Korea has only worsened. The government continues to use old defamation laws and sweeping intelligence and national security laws to restrict speech, which prevents civil society activists from being able to speak out against or peacefully protest harmful policies or potential human rights violations, including advocating for ending the Korean War, suspending military action, disarmament and a nuclear-free zone.
The South Korean government’s focus on military countermeasures rather than a peaceful resolution to the crisis in the Korean Peninsula creates difficulties for organisations like the PSPD. Conservative media often spread false information about PSPD, which leads to , with governmental agencies disrupting their work, while Youngah and her colleagues receive hostile and threatening calls from the public. Last year, it was widely confirmed that the South Korean government has been trying to stifle the work of PSPD since 2010.
One of Shelter City's goals is to broaden our guests' networks. Do you think you could help Youngah with her work? Contact us, and we will get in touch! Keep in mind that this guest is no longer staying with us in Amsterdam, but we would be happy to forward your message so you can get in touch with her.
Korean Peace Appeal
The Korea Peace Appeal works towards ending the war in the Korean Peninsula and the arms race while promoting dialogue and participation. Read more and support by clicking the image below.
