Defector Kim Kyu-li, now residing in Morden, south London, reveals her deep concerns for her younger sister, Kim Cheol-ok, who may face dire consequences, including possible death in prison, upon her return to the oppressive regime.
Kyu-li successfully escaped to China and later found refuge in the UK. However, her sister Cheol-ok, after escaping into China, fell victim to bridal traffickers who forced her into marriage. Living in China for 25 years under constant threat of deportation, Cheol-ok's precarious life took a grim turn in 2023 when she was arrested and forcibly returned to North Korea.
Concerns Rise for North Korean Defectors
Human rights groups report a concerning increase in the deportation of defectors, with a massive repatriation event in October involving 500 individuals. Cheol-ok, with her own grown-up daughter, navigated a perilous existence, constantly bribing local officials to avoid detection. Despite connecting with her sister through social media, their plan for Cheol-ok to escape to Vietnam was foiled when she was apprehended by Chinese authorities.
Kyu-li expresses her fears for Cheol-ok, anticipating severe punishment, lack of food, and harsh labor upon her return to North Korea. In a heart-wrenching statement to Sky News, Kyu-li emphasizes the inhumanity of the situation, stating, "It's not human, we are not animals. If she goes back to North Korea [she will be treated] like flies, they kill flies."
North Korean defectors often face brutal consequences, including imprisonment, torture, and even execution, while China insists that deportations comply with the 1951 Refugee Convention. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin rejects the term "defector," stating that those entering China illegally for economic reasons violate Chinese law.
Cheol-ok's story is not unique, as human rights groups warn that deportations from China continue at an alarming pace. The October mass deportation event, involving up to 500 people, raised international concerns, leading to questions directed at China during the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, as per to Mirror.
North Korean Escapees' Plight in China
Kyu-li's ordeal resonates with the broader challenges faced by North Korean escapees in China. Lacking identification, they have no right to work or access basic services, leading to a perilous, undocumented existence. The Seoul-based human rights NGO Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) highlights the vulnerability of these individuals, with Cheol-ok likely among a group of 500 deported in October.
The international community is increasingly pressuring China over its handling of North Korean defectors. South Korea, for the first time, raised concerns at the UN Human Rights Council review, urging China to cease repatriating North Koreans. However, experts note that geopolitical considerations, such as China's alliance with North Korea, may outweigh human rights concerns in the global context.
The fear of destabilizing North Korea, akin to the collapse of East Germany in 1989, influences China's stance on the issue. Amid rising tensions globally, including the conflict in Ukraine, China prioritizes maintaining stable relations with North Korea. Legal analyst Ethan Hee-Seok Shin of TJWG emphasizes Beijing's primary interest in preventing the collapse of the North Korean state.
As Kyu-li continues her fight for her sister's safety, the geopolitical complexities surrounding the issue persist. The ongoing relationship between North Korea and Russia, coupled with increased threats against South Korea, adds urgency to the plight of North Korean defectors. In London, Kyu-li remains determined, vowing to tell Cheol-ok to "stay strong," but she acknowledges being a small piece in a much larger geopolitical puzzle, Sky News reported.
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