[Event][Seminar] Press Conference on Forced Repatriation of North Korean Escapees Detained in China

9 Aug 2023
Views 296


         


Joint Seminar by NKDB and Choe Jaehyeong(MP) 

on Forced Repatriation of North Korean Escapees Detained in China

16 August 2023


The Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) and ROK National Assembly member CHOE Jaehyeong cordially invite you to our upcoming joint seminar and press conference focused on the critical issue of forced repatriation faced by North Korean escapees detained in China.


This seminar comes as a response to NKDB's testimony before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China on June 13, 2023. During this testimony, we shed light on the grave human rights challenges that these vulnerable individuals confront while detained in China. With indications of a potential reopening of the Sino-North Korean border, concerns are escalating about the possibility of mass repatriation, demanding immediate action from the international community.


Our primary objective is to draw attention to this pressing matter and foster collective action against forced repatriation. By raising awareness about the distressing plight of North Korean escapees and highlighting the severe human rights violations they endure during the repatriation process, we aim to unify our society's message: 'Don't Send Them Back.'


The seminar will feature distinguished speakers, experts, activists, and policymakers, including representatives from NKDB and the esteemed ROK National Assembly member CHOE Jaehyeong, who will participate in insightful discussions and presentations. Your presence and active engagement are invaluable as we work towards the seminar's success and amplify the call for necessary measures to protect these vulnerable individuals.


Seminar Information

Organizer of the seminar: Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB)

Host/ Moderator of the seminar: CHOE Jaehyeong (Member, National Assembly of the Republic of Korea)  

Speakers and topics:

Opening Remark

KIM Yungho (Minister of Unification, Republic of Korea)

Keynote Speech

CHOE Jaehyeong (Member, National Assembly of the Republic of Korea)

Statement on the Forced Repatriation of North Korean Escapees Detained in China

Remarks

LEE Shin-wha (Ambassador for International Cooperation on North Korean Human Rights, Republic of Korea)

BAE Sung-kyoo (Editorial Writer, The Chosun Ilbo)

Session 1: Forced Repatriation of North Korean Escapees Detained in China

SU Bobae (Researcher, Database Center for North Korean Human Rights)

Current Situation of North Korean Escapees Detained in China and Forced Repatriation

KIM Jeong-ah (President, Tongilmom Association)

State of Damage from Forced Family Separation Due to China’s Forced Repatriation of North Korean Escapees

CHO Jung-hyun (Professor, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Law School)

China's Obligations and Duties Under International Law and International Countermeasures Against China's Forced Repatriation of North Korean Refugees

Anonymous testimonials from North Korean escapees will also be included

Session 2: Q&A sessions with journalists


Date & Venue:

Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Time: 9:40 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. (KST)
Venue: Korea Press Center - Press Conference Hall
Address: 19th Floor, 124 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04520
서울 중구 세종대로 124, 19F


*Please note that this seminar will be held on-site and will be open to the general public

*Simultaneous interpretation (Korean/English) will be provided throughout the event


We kindly ask those interested in participating in the seminar to click HERE and confirm their attendance by Tuesday, the 15th August 2023