The Washington D.C.-based Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK) has sent a letter to U.S. congressman Charles Rangel suggesting he think twice about attending a Tuesday briefing from WomenCross DMZ participants.

The letter called North Korea the world’s most “reclusive” regime, stating that “engagement” must be based on realistic recognition of its human rights situation, including by “providing information” to the people in order to awaken them.

Rangel, a House member since 1971, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and is known for his long-standing ties to Korea.

Rangel has been planning to participate at