[Think China] Plight of North Korean defectors in China sparks urgent humanitarian concerns

2 Jul 2024

On June 7, Think China posted an article about the inherently unique diplomatic relations between China and South Korea due to North Korea. It states that the human rights issue of forced repatriation of North Korean escapees in China adds complexity to these diplomatic relations. North Koreans who cross the border into China are forcibly repatriated to North Korea, where they are subjected to atrocious treatment. This violates the vital principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of individuals to a country where they are likely to face persecution.

The article cites research from NKDB to provide information on the number of North Koreans in China.


The Database Center for North Korean Human Rights, an NGO, estimates that there are currently more than 10,000 North Korean defectors in China.


You can read the full article on the Think China website by clicking HERE.