Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, today issued the following statement amid reports that China has forcibly repatriated North Korean defectors:

            “I am truly appalled and disheartened that China has reportedly forcibly repatriated a large number of North Korean refugees against their will to North Korea. Some reports estimate that at least 600—and perhaps as many as 2,600—were repatriated in the middle of the night.

            Despite repeated warnings and appeals from the international community, including a congressional hearing I chaired in June, China has chosen to perpetrate another gross violation of internationally-recognized human rights.

            The large-scale repatriation of these individuals constitutes a dire humanitarian crisis, especially in light of the harrowing experiences previously repatriated North Korean refugees have endured, such as torture, sexual assault, forced abortion, forced labor, and even execution.

            The United Nations needs to do more, including listening to its own rapporteur on North Korea human rights, Elizabeth Salmón. In August, I sent a letter urging the UN High Commissioners for Human Rights and for Refugees—Volker Turk and Filippo Grandi, respectively—to address this urgent matter and discuss strategies to intensify international pressure against such repatriations. I still have yet to hear back. Their lack of response underscores the UN’s apparent lack of awareness—or, even more ominously, susceptibility perhaps to China’s influence.

            I remain committed to advocating for the rights of North Korean refugees and insist that North Korea treat them in accordance with human rights principles and a fundamental respect for their humanity.”

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