U.S. Relations With the People's Republic of China (2008)

U.S. Department of State

Practical Steps to Advance North Korean Human Rights

Christian Whiton, Deputy Special Envoy for Human Rights in North Korea
Remarks at the Seoul Press Center
Seoul, South Korea
September 26, 2008

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International Support

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A final simple and practical step that can be taken to help North Koreans is for the Chinese government to cease its forcible repatriation of refugees to North Korea. Whether these people are fleeing hunger, oppression or both, they clearly have a very plausible fear of severe punishment upon being repatriated to North Korea. The Chinese government should live up to its obligations under the UN refugee convention it signed and protect these individuals pending their resettlement. Otherwise, this will continue to mar China's international reputation.

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