NORTH KOREA: CHINESE OFFICIALS SEND WARNING TO REFUGEES

Chinese local officials have sent a warning to North Korean refugees in their area, stating that China’s stance against them remains unchanged. “China doesn’t view them as refugees who need to be protected under the Human Rights Declaration but as illegal immigrants who can be repatriated,” says Open Doors’ coordinator for North Korea ministry, Simon Lee*. 

Among these refugees are Christians and people who have been in touch with churches, pastors, or missionaries. These contacts mean they could be punished even more severely. “Every person who is arrested in China and then sent back, will be tortured and interrogated,” says Lee. 

“The interrogators will ask if you have seen a Bible, if you’ve been to church, or if you have met with any missionaries. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, they will try to find if you’ve become a Christian. The more mature of a Christian you are, the heavier the punishment. In a worst-case scenario, you’ll be sent to a labour camp for political prisoners with no chance to be released.” 

RAMPANT REPATRIATIONS AND ARRESTS

 Lee confirms that tensions are growing in China among refugees. “There have been waves of arrests and repatriations. Others have been warned. Especially women who are married to Chinese men are told to keep a low profile and don’t cause any ‘social unrest.’ They are often sold into marriage, and though life is hard for them, it’s often better than the lives they led in North Korea. Also, they may be able to help their families.” 

WHAT IS ‘SOCIAL UNREST’?

“This can mean anything. Anything you do wrong can be seen as creating social unrest. Fighting with someone, complaining about your husband, selling something illegal, but also visiting a Christian gathering. These [individuals] always live under stress,” shares Lee. 

*Name changed for security purposes.