North Korean athletes wave their national flags ahead of the opening of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Sept. 22. South Korea’s human rights watchdog chief urged the U.N. refugee agency to “take more proactive measures” in protecting North Korean refugees in China where they tremble with the constant fear of deportation, according to a letter obtained by The Korea Times on Wednesday. Yonhap

South Korea’s human rights watchdog chief has urged the U.N. refugee agency (UNHRC) to “take more proactive measures” to protect North Korean refugees in China where they tremble with the constant fear of deportation, according to a letter obtained by The Korea Times on Thursday.

In the letter sent on Sept. 13 to UNHRC chief Filippo Grandi, Song Doo-hwan, chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, asked him to formally request the Chinese government to permanently stop repatriating North Korean escapees against their will.

“At this very moment, North Korean defectors in China are desperately hoping for a helping hand to save them from the immediate threats of torture and punishment,” he wrote.

“Even beyond the application of the Refugee Convention, I earnestly request your agency to take more proactive measures in these matters from a humanitarian perspective that upholds universal human values, protects human rights, and guarantees the lives and basic rights of North Korean defectors.”

Song conveyed the message at a time when rights advocates were criticizing the UNHRC and other U.N. agencies for their lack of action and silence despite signs of North Korea easing border restrictions after three years of extreme pandemic isolation. They said Beijing could resume its practice of deporting North Korean escapees soon, adding that as many as 2,000 such people were currently detained in China.

Under the Constitution, Song said his organization is responsible for improving human rights for all citizens regardless of where they live on the Korean Peninsula.

“Although due to division, the effective authority of the Republic of Korea does not extend to the North Korean region, we engage in activities to improve the human rights of North Korean residents and defectors,” he wrote.

Given the limitations, Song asked Grandi for his “active involvement and ongoing interest,” saying that assistance of international institutions, such as the UNHRC, is “urgently needed.”

Despite being a signatory to international treaties, such as the Refugee Convention and the Convention against Torture, China has violated them while prioritizing its bilateral deals with North Korea, which demands the return of all “fugitives and criminals.”

In the letter, Song said the situation regarding the issue is even worsening in China, in which authorities are “strengthening inspections and searches in border areas, conducting special crackdowns and arrests of North Korean defectors.”

During his last visit to Seoul last November, Grandi had a meeting with Song, who promised his organization’s cooperation in protecting and promoting the rights of refugees.

Before sending the letter, Song issued a statement in June to urge both Seoul and Beijing to work together to resolve the repatriation issue.

Meanwhile, lawmakers are preparing for a joint move against the rights-violating practice of Beijing. So far, four proposals for resolution have been submitted at the National Assembly, including one containing the signatures of two defector-turned-lawmakers ― Ji Seong-ho and Tae Yong-ho ― and 32 others. After the Standing Committee’s review, lawmakers are expected to vote on the proposals soon.

“The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea urges China, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and a member of the U.N. Human Rights Council, to grant refugee status to the North Korean escapees who meet the requirements and permit them to move to where they want,” the proposal says.

“The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea resolutely oppose detention and forcible repatriation of any North Korean escapees and will try its best to protect the their basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution and international laws.”

（作者：汽车音响）