Up to 600 North Koreans have “vanished” after being repatriated from China to their isolated country, where they are likely to face imprisonment and abuse at the hands of authorities, according to a rights group. The Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) based in Seoul, South Korea, revealed that there has been no communication established with the deported North Koreans since their forced deportation in October. The group called on the United States and other governments to condemn China’s actions as a violation of international norms, highlighting the need for forceful criticism and action to prompt China to rethink its policy. The identities of the repatriated North Koreans remain unknown, with over 70% estimated to be women, who are at high risk of torture, sexual- and gender-based violence, concentration camp imprisonment, forced abortions, and execution. Neither the Chinese nor the North Korean governments have acknowledged the mass deportation, with China asserting that there were no defectors in the country and that it has always handled the issue in accordance with laws.
600 North Koreans Deported from China Have ‘Vanished,’ Rights Group Says
Background
In a shocking development, a rights group based in Seoul, South Korea, called the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), has reported that up to 600 North Koreans have “vanished” after being forcibly repatriated from China to North Korea. This mass deportation, which took place in October, is believed to be the largest of its kind in years. The repatriated North Koreans are at risk of imprisonment and abuse at the hands of the North Korean authorities, who consider them traitors. The identities of most of the deportees remain unknown, but it is estimated that more than 70% of them are women.
The TJWG warns that these individuals, branded as criminals and traitors by the North Korean regime, are likely to face torture, sexual- and gender-based violence, imprisonment in concentration camps, forced abortions, and even execution. The organization is urging the United States and other governments to condemn China’s actions as a violation of international norms. Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, a legal analyst at TJWG, emphasizes that while North Korea may disregard international criticism, China does care about its international reputation. He believes that stronger condemnation and action from the U.S. could potentially make Beijing reconsider its policy.
China’s Handling of the Situation
Both the Chinese and North Korean governments have refrained from directly acknowledging the mass deportation. The Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that there were no “so-called defectors” in China and that China has always dealt with the issue in accordance with domestic and international law. China has consistently labeled North Korean refugees as “economic migrants” who are in the country illegally, rather than recognizing them as defectors.
Resumption of Deportations
The resumption of North Korean deportations from China is not a new occurrence but is part of a decades-long practice. This practice was made possible by the reopening of North Korea’s borders in August 2023 after three years of pandemic isolation. With borders open again, Chinese authorities have been able to forcibly deport North Koreans who were previously detained while attempting to escape to South Korea or other third countries.
Personal Story: Kim Cheol Ok
One of the few recently repatriated North Koreans whose identity is known is Kim Cheol Ok. She fled North Korea in 1998 at the height of a devastating famine when she was just 14 years old. Kim settled in a small town in the northeastern Chinese province of Jilin, where she was eventually forced into marriage with a Chinese man by a human trafficker. She later gave birth to a daughter.
Unfortunately, Kim was detained by Chinese authorities in April, leading to her missing the birth of her own granddaughter. The situation is even more heartbreaking as Kim can no longer speak Korean. Her detention by Chinese authorities and subsequent deportation have left her separated from her family, with devastating consequences for her and her loved ones.
Fears for Future Deportations
The TJWG has expressed concerns over the possible deportation of as many as 1,500 other North Koreans currently held in detention centers across China. These individuals are vulnerable and are essentially waiting for their turn to be forcibly repatriated. The lack of international intervention and protection puts them at great risk of facing imprisonment, torture, and abuse at the hands of the North Korean authorities.
Urging Condemnation and Action
Amidst the ongoing crisis, the TJWG is calling for condemnation of China’s actions from the United States and other governments. This condemnation is seen as crucial in highlighting the violation of international norms and pressuring China to reconsider its policy regarding North Korean refugees. The hope is that by challenging China’s actions, the lives and well-being of countless North Koreans can be protected.
TJWG Event and Testimony
Kim Kyu Li, the sister of recently repatriated North Korean Kim Cheol Ok, is set to speak at an event organized by the TJWG in New York. Kim Kyu Li’s primary concern is ensuring her sister’s safety and advocating for her right to live in safety, free from the threats and dangers of the North Korean regime.
Transportation and Crossing Points
The TJWG has gathered evidence through various sources and videos indicating that on October 9, hundreds of North Koreans were transported in heavily guarded vehicles from Chinese detention centers to five crossing points on the border with North Korea. One of these crossing points saw an estimated 300 individuals making their way into North Korea. The transportation of deportees in such a manner further highlights the severity and scale of the mass deportation.
Conclusion
The situation concerning the deportation of North Koreans from China is dire and urgent. The TJWG’s report of the disappearance of 600 individuals is deeply concerning and indicative of the dangers faced by North Korean refugees. The lack of acknowledgment or action from both the Chinese and North Korean governments adds to the urgency of the situation. It is essential for the international community, led by the United States, to condemn China’s actions and advocate for the protection of North Korean refugees. By doing so, there is hope for a change in Beijing’s policy, leading to a safer and more secure future for the countless vulnerable North Koreans facing deportation.