Stephen Crabb MP last week delivered a petition of 3,700 signatures to the North Korean Embassy in London. The petition protests the abuses of "fundamental human rights" committed by the North Korean authorities against their own people, Christian Today has been told.

The petition is a joint initiative between Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and Danish European Mission (DEM). Mr. Crabb was accompanied by Rev. Stuart Windsor, National Director of CSW, and Benjamin Bach, Missions Secretary from DEM.

The petition states: "We the undersigned wish to register our profound concern over the very serious abuse of fundamental human rights in North Korea, including the withholding of religious freedom and serious punishments imposed upon religious believers, extra-judicial imprisonment in political prison camps, the use of torture, execution, forced abortion and the punishment of those returning from China."

Stephen Crabb, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said: "International attention has focused on Kim Jong Il and his regime, but we must not forget the fear and suffering faced by the people of North Korea every day. This petition has received strong support in denouncing these atrocities and I am pleased to add my support by delivering it to the door of the North Korean authorities."

Benjamin Bach said: "We are proud that so many people chose to support our petition to highlight the human rights violations in North Korea. But we must continue to protest and pray for the people suffering daily in this country."

CSW's National Director, Stuart Windsor, said: "Human rights are suppressed at every level in North Korea. Control of society is extensive and intrusive. The practice of torture and violations of the right to life, physical integrity and due process are frequent and systematic.

"We hope that this petition delivers a strong message to the North Korean authorities that the cloak of secrecy that has long shrouded North Korea's human rights abuses is lifting."