Ministry of Unification and UN OHCHR Express Concern Over Forced Repatriation of North Korean Defectors from China

Director of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs: "Forced Repatriation Must Not Happen Again"
UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Emphasizes Cooperation to Promote North Korean Human Rights

The Ministry of Unification and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recently expressed concern over the forced repatriation of more than 500 North Korean defectors in China, reaffirming their stance that the Chinese government must adhere to the 'principle of non-refoulement.'

Kang Jong-seok, Director of the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Division at the Ministry of Unification, held a meeting on the 30th with Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, to discuss cooperation measures between the Ministry of Unification and the OHCHR for the promotion of North Korean human rights. In particular, the two exchanged views on the large-scale forced repatriation incident that occurred in China on the 9th, agreeing that all countries must comply with the internationally recognized 'principle of non-refoulement' and that forced repatriation of North Korean defectors residing abroad must not happen again, the Ministry of Unification explained.

Kang Jong-seok, Director of the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Office at the Ministry of Unification (right), met with Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the 30th to discuss the recent forced repatriation of North Korean defectors in China.
[Photo by Ministry of Unification]

Director Kang emphasized, "The Yoon Seok-yeol administration prioritizes resolving North Korean human rights issues as a top agenda," adding, "To achieve substantial improvement in North Korean human rights, it is necessary to work beyond inter-Korean relations and engage in in-depth cooperation with the international community." He particularly urged, "We hope to strengthen cooperation in various fields such as enhancing investigative capabilities and information sharing with the OHCHR Seoul office, which contributes to raising awareness of North Korean human rights situations internationally."

Deputy High Commissioner Al-Nashif recalled that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, stating, "I hope all countries will further respect the universal value of 'human rights.'" He added, "It is important to ensure that North Korea does not become isolated through a dual approach of 'accountability' and 'engagement' regarding North Korean human rights issues," and expressed his expectation that the OHCHR and the Ministry of Unification will cooperate more closely.

Director Kang also voiced strong concerns about the issue of 'forced repatriation of North Korean defectors' during a briefing held on the 19th for foreign diplomatic missions in Korea, international organizations, and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). At that time, he urged, "Please pay special attention to preventing the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors residing in third countries such as China," and stated, "The Korean government will accept all defectors who wish to enter the country."