Brussels, 06/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - Speaking, on 5 June, of her concern about the reports that nine North Korean refugees, including under-18 year olds, were expelled from Laos on 27 May 2013 and sent to North Korea via China, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called on “all states to observe the principle of non-refoulement which is a core tenet of international humanitarian law and to refrain from any expulsion of refugees to countries where they may face persecution.”
Stating that at this stage the full facts remain unclear, Ashton said she was concerned by the fact that these people face “severe punishment in North Korea”, according to her spokesperson. Ashton called on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to “abide by international humanitarian and human rights standards” and to ensure that these people “will not be subjected to the death penalty, torture or any cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment”.
Laos has confirmed having sent nine North Koreans aged 14-18 to Pyongyang. They were arrested in the north of the country on 10 May for illegal entry. (CG/transl.fl)