Condemnation over repatriation of North Korean refugees

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has welcomed a resolution from the European Parliament this week condemning the repatriation of North Korean refugees by the Chinese authorities.

Speaking during the debate, European Commissioner Janez Potocnik said it was important that all countries adhere to the 1951 Convention on Refugees.

She said the EU had raised concern with China over the issue in its ongoing human rights dialogue with the country and that it would "continue to use every avenue possible" to persuade China to change its repatriation policy.

“The EU is seriously concerned about the forcible repatriation of North Korean asylum seekers and refugees. We are aware that those who are returned face detention, torture and even execution," she said.

China regards all undocumented North Koreans as economic migrants rather than asylum seekers.

In 1986, it signed a cooperation agreement with North Korea holding it to preventing illegal border crossings.

China has also prevented the UN refugee agency from accessing North Koreans in China.

Earlier in the year, China repatriated 41 North Koreans despite international pressure from the EU and South Korea.

International law prohibits the forcible repatriation, either directly or indirectly, of any individuals to a country where they are at risk of facing persecution, torture or death.

CSW said that repatriated North Koreans were charged with “treachery against the nation” and either sent to prison camps or executed, sometimes with up to three generations of their family.

The organisation has been active over the last few months in encouraging the European Parliament to speak out on the issue and has been working with MEPs to produce this resolution.

CSW’s Advocacy Director, Andrew Johnston, said, “China’s policy of repatriating North Korean refugees is in direct contravention of their obligations under international law. CSW welcomes this resolution on the issue and the work of the European Parliament in promoting human rights.

"In light of the European Parliament resolution, which shows widespread concern at their treatment of North Korean refugees, we urge the Chinese government to halt its practice of repatriating North Korean refugees and allow them to be assessed by United Nations Refugee Agency.”