I’m out of things to say. I think I’ve said everything that needs to be said about about this issue.

So unless someone wants to take over the blog, I’m shuttering it.

But that is not the end of the story.

For years, I’ve urged people to take action on one of the most pressing human rights issue in the world. Awareness is important, but it only really matters if it translates into action.

I’ve had this blog for over 3 years now, I’m one of the most aware persons. Why am I not doing anything?

So this morning on my way to work, I thought about what I can do. I don’t have a lot of money, nor do I have a lot of time. And I’m certain there many people in this country with the same situation. So what can I do make the most out of what I have?

I remembered an old post on microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus. And I also know the microfinance site, Kiva.

What if we find North Koreans hiding in China and finance their escape to safety, and recoup our loan long after they reach it?

Obviously, there are major risks involved. And it will no doubt be a tough sell. There is no guarantee that the North Koreans we fund will make it to safety, we can only maximize their chances of success. And the thought of poor North Koreans paying off rich westerns like me is unappealing.

But what are the alternatives? The current model of charity relies purely on faith that one’s contribution will make a difference. And with loans instead of gifts, we can maximize what meager resources in order to help others escape.

There are plenty questions that need to be asked. How much does it cost to get one North Korean out of the country? How can we finance children? When they do succeed, how do refugees, facing social isolation and meager employment, plan to pay off that loan?

They say freedom is priceless, but I plan to put one anyway and hope for both refugees and lenders, it is worth the price. I don’t consider it immoral, but others may disagree.

There is much research I have to do. I’ll have to find honest brokers. I’ll have to find ways to communicate with both refugees and lenders without comprising refugee’s safety. I’ll have to provide information to lender that their loans are worth it without giving too much information (like real names).

Hopefully, these questions will be answered and I will launch my new initiative and put my own money on the line to see if this is a sustainable model.

It’s my turn to act.

AllTop is a aggregation of news and blogs on a particular topic. In my case, I’m in the North Korea part of the site. So pay then a visit. And while your at it, vouch for OneFreeKorea for inclusion into the site. It HAS to be on it.

While I’m going to put on my webdev hat this weekend, let me leave you with this

The House of Representatives unanimously passed the “North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008” Wednesday, amending the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 and extending it for another four year period. The Senate passed the Reauthorization Act of 2008 two days ago.

The original 2004 act described the beliefs of Congress regarding the promotion of human rights, transparency in the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and refugee protection for North Koreans. The 2008 reauthorization draft maintains these basic goals with a few marked changes.

Key amendments to the 2008 version include simplifying the legal requirements for North Korean refugees to enter the U.S. and promotion of the current Special Envoy to North Korea to the level of ambassador.

Hopefully, the next President will actually enforce this.