Experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council urged China not to forcibly repatriate people who have escaped from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), warning that some returnees could even be put to death.
The experts were alarmed that hundreds of escapees – the vast majority of whom are women – have been sent back, despite repeated appeals by multiple international human rights bodies. Hundreds more reportedly are in detention awaiting the same fate.
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There are long-standing and credible reports that people returned to the DPRK, more commonly known as North Korea, would face serious human rights violations such as torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment, they said in a statement on Tuesday.
‘Criminals’ and ‘traitors’
The DPRK authorities label citizens “criminals” if they commit “illegal border-crossing”, and “traitors” if any link is found suggesting an “intention to escape to the Republic of Korea”, the official name for South Korea.
“Traitors” receive harsh punishments, including imprisonment without due process, and they may be subjected to enforced disappearance and even execution, the experts warned.
“No one should be returned to a country where they would face the risk of torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and other irreparable harm, including the use of the death penalty, and enforced disappearance,” they said.
Respect international law
The rights experts urged China to respect the principle of non-refoulement, which guarantees that no one should be returned to a country where they would face torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and other irreparable harm.
They stressed that the principle is guaranteed under international law and must be applied to all individuals at all times, regardless of their migratory status.
They recalled that it also forms an essential protection under international human rights, refugee, humanitarian and customary law, and is “explicitly included” in the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment as well as the 1951 Convention on Refugees and its Protocol to which China is a party.
The UN experts wrote to Beijing raising concerns over the forcible returns and said they appreciated the official response from the authorities.
They called on China to abide by its international legal obligations and not forcibly repatriate remaining North Korean escapees.
“We welcome the reopening of the border and urge the DPRK to allow UN agencies, other humanitarian organisations and diplomatic missions to return to the country as soon as possible and engage the relevant Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council to review its human rights,” they said.
They also called on the DPRK “to comply with its international legal obligations in respect to all citizens returning to the country, including the absolute prohibition on torture and enforced disappearance, the prohibition of arbitrary detention, and fair trial guarantees.”
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Elizabeth Salmón, Special Rapporteur on the situation on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, briefs the Security Council meeting on the situation in the country (file).
About UN experts
The 18 experts who issued the statement were appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, and include Elizabeth Salmón, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK.
They are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Council, which is the general name of its independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world.
These experts work on a voluntary basis, are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.
Simon Blake is an experienced journalist deeply interested in international affairs and global development. Having spent years reporting on humanitarian issues, he offers a unique perspective in his coverage of United Nations news.
Shouldn’t China prioritize the safety of DPR Korea escapees instead of repatriating them and potentially putting their lives at risk?
China must indeed prioritize the safety of DPR Korea escapees. It is crucial to protect their lives and prevent the possibility of serious human rights violations upon repatriation. The international community should continue to advocate for the rights and protection of these individuals.
It is appalling that China continues to disregard the safety and human rights of North Korean escapees by forcibly repatriating them. We must stand up against these violations and protect those seeking refuge from such a repressive regime.
It is crucial that China respects the human rights of North Korean escapees and refrains from sending them back to face potential death or severe human rights violations. The international community needs to continue pressuring China to adhere to humanitarian principles and protect these vulnerable individuals.
Do you think China will consider the warnings and stop repatriating North Korean escapees?
It is crucial that China heeds the warnings and halts the repatriation of North Korean escapees. The lives and well-being of these individuals hang in the balance, and it is imperative that China acts in accordance with international human rights standards.
Do the experts have any suggestions on how China should handle the situation of North Korean runaways to ensure their safety?
Sure, the experts recommend that China should provide protection to North Korean runaways by allowing them access to asylum procedures, refraining from detaining or punishing them for their illegal border-crossing, and ensuring that they are not forcibly returned to a country where they face grave human rights violations. Moreover, they suggest that China should collaborate with the international community to establish comprehensive solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of these individuals.
It is crucial that China listens to the advice from the UN experts and refrains from sending back those who have risked their lives to escape from North Korea. The potential consequences for these escapees, especially women, are grave and should not be ignored.
It is crucial that China respects the rights of North Korean escapees and refrains from sending them back, as they could face severe human rights violations if returned. The international community must continue to pressure China to uphold its obligations and protect these vulnerable individuals.
Does China consider the potential consequences before sending back these North Korean escapees?
There is no justification for sending back North Korean escapees knowing the severe consequences they could face. It’s crucial for China to prioritize human rights and ensure the safety of these individuals.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about these escapees being sent back to face such severe consequences. No one should be subjected to torture or death for seeking freedom. China must uphold human rights and protect these vulnerable individuals.