SEOUL - South Korea's Unification Minister, Kim Yung-ho, met with Canadian Ambassador Tamara Mawhinney on Monday, requesting Canada's support in addressing North Korea's human rights issues. In the meeting, Kim detailed South Korea's efforts in tackling the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors in China and the broader issue of North Korea's denuclearization.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korean human rights groups have reported the recent forced return of numerous North Korean defectors from China's northeastern regions. While the South Korean government confirmed these repatriations, the exact number remains unspecified. As North Korea's principal ally, China routinely repatriates North Korean defectors, who often face severe repercussions upon their return. Ambassador Mawhinney acknowledged Canada's active role in improving human rights conditions in North Korea and expressed a desire for close cooperation with Seoul. Both parties concurred on the importance of multilateral efforts in resolving North Korea's human rights situation. The focus on North Korean human rights has intensified internationally since a 2014 report by the U.N. Commission of Inquiry, which condemned North Korean leaders for systematic and severe human rights violations.