Thousands vulnerable to trafficking in China

A US state department committee reporting on the human rights situation in North Korea has highlighted not only abuses going on inside the country, but has also mentioned the large numbers of North Korean citizens who have fled the country and are hiding inside China. There are an estimated 30,000 to 300,000 North Korean citizens in hiding in China who are very vulnerable to being trafficked into forced labour or sexual exploitation. Contrary to the UN Refugee Convention, China forcibly repatriates refugees from North Korea. On their return to their own country they will face prison, torture or even execution. Given the threat of deportation if they are discovered by the authorities, North Korean refugees cannot report their traffickers to the local authorities. Traffickers can therefore operate with impunity. The international community should put pressure on the Chinese authorities to comply with the UN Refugee Convention and protect the victims of trafficking within its borders.