China Sends Back North Korean Refugees Against Their Willv

 

China recently forced around 60 North Korean refugees to return to North Korea against their will. This has greatly worried human rights groups and activists, as they fear these refugees may face severe punishment and harm upon being sent back to North Korea. While China has agreed to international standards requiring countries to shelter refugees from being deported to locations where they could experience abuse or torture, China classifies North Koreans as “illegal economic migrants” rather than refugees. China then relies on an old agreement with North Korea to compel their return. Other nations, particularly South Korea, should strongly urge China to cease making North Korean refugees return and instead allow refugees from North Korea to reside in a safe place or travel to South Korea or other safe countries. China is also called on to permit the UN Refugee Agency to provide assistance and access to North Korean refugees within China’s borders.