Activists’ calls for the Chinese government to stop forcibly repatriating North Korean defectors are likely to build momentum as an association of 500 civic groups has launched a campaign to collect 10 million signatures for their cause.

The Network for the Rescue of North Korean Defectors (www.safemynk.net) said it started its petition on Monday both online and offline, building on protests against Beijing’s policy to return North Korean defectors seeking freedom. They aim to collect 10 million signatures, and so far 101 leaders from labor, religious and political circles have already signed the document offline.

“What awaits the deportees is death. The South Korean government has changed its ‘quiet’ diplomacy on the issue, and the international community has become more aware of the problem. We must stop the repatriation,” the group said in a statement. “Global society should stand up, acknowledge them as refugees to be protected by international conventions, and help them find new homes in South Korea or other countries.”

The network of groups plans to hold an international meeting in Seoul in May to discuss North Korean defectors’ rights and legal status. The results of the petition will be announced at the event.

The campaign received a boost on its first day when eight groups of filmmakers, including directors, screen writers and actors, released a statement.

“We, filmmakers, urge the Chinese authorities to stop repatriation since it is against the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. It is inhumane as well,” they stated.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)