Open Doors USA is celebrating the release of three Americans from North Korean custody but wants the world to know the horrors of the repressive regime.

Robert Kenna, senior director for content at Open Doors USA, says it’s hard for the West to fathom the human rights abuses taking place on a daily basis, especially for the estimated 300,000 Christians.

“It’s unbelievable what they have to face on a daily basis to follow Jesus,” says Kenna. “With the spy networks. With the fact that they could get pulled into a prison camp just because they own a Bible or share or try to meet at a church. Not just them but their whole families could be at risk.”

According to Open Door’s annual “Watch List” report that it published in January, North Korea continues to be the worst country among 50 others that jail, torture and kill their own people.

David Curry, president and CEO of Open Doors USA, tells OneNewsNow the release of the hostages is one critical step toward restoring diplomatic relations with North Korea. But that gesture of goodwill, he says, has to be followed with further actions to address the long-running, systematic abuses that still plague the people of North Korea.

“I think human rights has to be at the top of the agenda,” Curry insists, “because it’s the tell as to whether or not they are serious, in my opinion.”