Not a day goes by without seeing or hearing news of humanitarian crises occurring overseas. Some issues have been in the news for quite some time, while others appear anew as developing stories. While we may be physically detached from developments on the ground, what are some ways that we can contribute to international humanitarian issues, specifically from South Korea?

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[ON THE GROUND] 사단법인 아디 (Asian Dignity Initiative): adians.net, @adi_asian_dignity_initiative on IG

Specializing in the spheres of Myanmar, the Rohingya, and Palestine, ADI’s activities consist of three types:

1. Documentation (기록): Documentation is the first step in recognizing injustice and ensuring that accountability, healing, and transformation takes place. ADI and their local partners have been documenting human rights violations in Myanmar, amplifying Rohingya survivors’ stories to the UN and the South Korean public, and publishing humanitarian policy recommendations in partnership with local Palestinian activists.
2. Support (지원): Women and children are the most vulnerable groups in conflict. ADI supports impacted women and children by creating library shelters to foster the next generation of peacekeepers, providing female refugees with mental health services, and creating trauma-healing women’s support centers for victims of gender-based violence.
3. Connection (연결): Further, ADI seeks to establish international solidarity by organizing peaceful demonstrations, holding conferences, and publishing petitions that encourage civic engagement in South Korea. 

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How do I get involved?: In addition to financial support, ADI welcomes research support, interns/volunteers, and inquiries from groups interested in receiving education about humanitarian issues.

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[SOCIAL VENTURE] 이태원 라볶이 (Itaewon Raboggi): smartstore.naver.com/rabboggikit, @itaewon_rabboggi_kit

An initiative by Baraka Little Library, a nonprofit organization in Itaewon that provides Korean language/culture classes as well as English/math/art/IT classes for migrant women and children, Itaewon Raboggi sells ready-to-make rabokki (라볶이; ramen + ddukbokki) kits to provide jobs for migrant women and support meals for their families. Not only do the kits sustain the livelihoods of migrant families (many who came as refugees) and empower migrant women, but the 라볶이 (rabokki) itself is delicious and incredibly convenient.

1. Flavors: Original, Spicy, Jjajang (black bean), Cheese, Buldak Carbo (spicy carbonara), Jjapagoori (spicy blackbean)
2. Price: 3,500 ~ 4,000 each depending on flavor
3. Available: Naver Smartstore, Kakao Plus Friend, or text message (010-8267-2507)
4. Takes no more than 5 minutes to make

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How do I get involved?

1. Itaewon Raboggi: Purchase rabokki kits or donate to the Raboggi Bank (tinyurl.com/raboggi-bank) to provide rabokki for migrant children
2. Baraka Little Library: In addition to financial donations, the shelter welcomes other donations (educational supplies, IT equipment, hygiene products), as well as volunteers

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[COMMUNITY] 국제개발협력 커뮤니티 얼라이언스 (International Development Community Alliance): linktr.ee/idc.action, @idc.action on IG

A joint initiative by four international development communities in South Korea, IDC.Action was established to spearhead Korean solidarity with the ongoing struggle for democracy in Myanmar. Primarily, it operates an archiving page for all things related to Korean support for Myanmar, from news clippings to emergency funds to creative demonstrations. Moreover, IDC.Action focuses on cultivating a sense of community and allyship across individuals in South Korea through webinars, online rallies, and various virtual opportunities to remind one another that we are not alone in our activism. Current campaigns include:

1. Myanmar Spring (미얀마, 봄): archiving page (tinyurl.com/myanmar-kr)
2. Myanmar Talk: small group discussions following presentations by activists/experts on the current state of Myanmar; held in Korean

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How do I get involved?: Subscribe to their newsletter or follow their Instagram to remain updated and continue in solidarity in the midst of ever-changing news cycles and fading attention

Raising awareness through social media is an important step towards progress. Yet, action—whether it be through fundraising or volunteering—is what spurs the wheels of change. What are some ways that you can become involved in creating change?