Every year, thousands of North Koreans flee to China in search of a better life. Some try to leave permanently as they seek freedom or flee religious persecution, and others cross the border in search of jobs or food so they can return and support their starving families in North Korea. However, reaching China does not mean freedom for refugees, since China has an agreement with North Korea to forcibly repatriate all refugees. Since leaving North Korea is a capital offense, China's policy essentially sends refugees to their death. Please sign the petition and ask the Chinese government to end its policy of forcibly repatriating North Korean refugees.
We, the undersigned, wish to draw your attention to the North Korean refugees who have fled to China. We believe that by working with the international community this crisis can be resolved in a way that benefits China and protects the safety of these refugees.
We kindly urge you to end your policy of forcibly repatriating North Korean refugees to North Korea, where they face punishment, imprisonment, or even execution for leaving their homeland. We ask that you allow these refugees access to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the humanitarian organizations willing to assist in their protection, and allow them safe passage to countries that have promised resettlement.
We respect China's right to protect its border and concerns about the North Korean population in China. But instead of attempting to resolve this crisis by forcibly repatriating these North Koreans, we ask that you work with the international community for the safe relocation of these refugees.
This is an international problem, and it requires an international solution. We hope that you will be an important part of that solution. Thank you.
