On February 26 (local time), the Argentine civil society organization 'Center for the Openness and Development of Latin America (CADAL)' announced that North Korean human rights activists Kim Jeong-wook, Choi Chun-gil, and Kim Kook-ki, who were detained while engaged in humanitarian aid activities in North Korea, were among the recipients of the 'Fourth Graciela Fernández Meijide Human Rights Award' for 2026. [Screenshot from the 'Center for the Openness and Development of Latin America (CADAL)' website] 

The Argentine civil society organization 'Center for the Openness and Development of Latin America (CADAL)' recently announced the recipients of the 'Fourth Graciela Fernández Meijide Human Rights Award,' which includes Korean missionaries detained in North Korea.

This year's recipients include Korean missionaries Kim Jeong-wook, Choi Chun-gil, and Kim Kook-ki, who were detained while carrying out humanitarian activities, such as supporting vulnerable populations, in North Korea.

Last December, the Presidential Office stated, "It is understood that six of our citizens, including three defectors, have been detained on charges such as espionage between 2013 and 2016," explaining that missionaries Kim Jeong-wook, Kim Kook-ki, and Choi Chun-gil have been detained since 2013-2014.

At the time, the Presidential Office stated, "With inter-Korean dialogue and exchanges suspended for a long period, the suffering of our citizens due to division continues, and the resolution of the issue is urgent."

In addition to the three detained Koreans, the award also recognized intellectual Yalun Rozi, who is imprisoned for his activities in preserving Uyghur culture and language in China, and activist Anacleto Mícha Ndong, who has been engaged in human rights activism in Equatorial Guinea.

This award was established in 2023 to honor the dedication of Graciela Fernández Meijide, who was a member of the 'Association of Mothers of the Disappeared' during Argentina's military dictatorship and one of the key figures who authored the historical report 'Nunca Mas' (Never Again), documenting the crimes of the dictatorial regime after democratization.

The award aims to serve as an international protective shield for 'forgotten victims' by commemorating individuals who have contributed to the protection of human rights and civil liberties under authoritarian regimes.

The award ceremony will be held in Buenos Aires in August to commemorate the 'Day of Remembrance for Victims of Totalitarianism.'