600 North Koreans 'vanish' after being deported from China, claims rights group. Here is what we know
North Koreans have 'vanished' after China repatriated them to North Korea. Seoul-based rights group Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) has expressed apprehension that these people are likely to face imprisonment and abuse at the hands of authorities. No communication has been established with the North Koreans since they were forcefully returned by China in October last year. Their identities are also unknown, though about 70% of them are women.
«Likely to face torture»
The rights group has also said that these people are likely to face torture and gender-based violence and imprisonment in concentration camps. They also face forced abortions and executions. The group has urged the U.S. and other governments to condemn China’s actions as a violation of international norms.
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Talking to NBC, Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, a legal analyst at TJWG, said, «Unlike North Korea, China does actually care about its international reputation and we believe that more forceful criticism and more forceful action from the U.S. side might make Beijing rethink its policy.»
China denies claim
Reacting to the reports of forced repatriation, the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry said that there were no 'so-called defectors' in China. It also claimed that Beijing had always handled the issue in accordance with domestic and international law. Neither the Chinese nor the North Korean government has acknowledged the mass deportation.
«North Koreans were seen being transported»
TJWG claims that hundreds of North Koreans were seen being transported on October 9 in heavily guarded buses and vans from Chinese detention centers to five crossing points on the border
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