Concern is growing over the possible repatriation of North Korean refugees to China. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the border between Beijing and Pyongyang has remained closed, halting deportations of refugees.
The United Nations and NGOs warn about the fate of refugees upon arrival in North Korea. They would face imprisonment, hard labour and even torture for fleeing the country. According to observers, North Korea could formalize the opening of its border after April 15, the birthday of Kim Il-sung, founder of the regime.