A/HRC/WGEID/113/1
Clarification based on information from sources
31.
On the basis of the information provided by sources, the Working Group decided to
clarify the case of Li Heping (A/HRC/WGEID/107/1, para. 24). The individual was
reportedly released from detention.
Reply to a joint urgent appeal
32.
On 18 May 2017, the Government of China transmitted a reply to the joint urgent
appeal sent on 13 April 2017 concerning the impending forced repatriation of 31
individuals from the Democratic Peopleโs Republic of Korea. In its response, the
Government claimed that the said individuals had crossed the border into China for
economic reasons and had violated relevant Chinese laws. In its reply, the Government also
stated that a number of non-governmental organizations, religious groups and individuals
carried out and organized actions to smuggle people from the Democratic Republic of
North Korea into China under the pretence of humanitarian action, with the aim of
monetary gain, and that China would continue to crack down on such activity in accordance
with its laws.1
Observation
33.
The Working Group wishes to recall its concern expressed in its annual report with
regard to the continued practice of repatriating individuals who have been detained by the
Chinese authorities after fleeing the Democratic Peopleโs Republic of Korea
(A/HRC/36/39, para. 72). Persons returned to the Democratic Peopleโs Republic of Korea
risk being subject to gross human rights violations, including enforced disappearance (see
A/HRC/WGEID/112/1, para. 29). The Working Group recalls article 8 (1) of the
Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, according to
which no State shall expel, return (refouler) or extradite a person to another State where
there are substantial grounds to believe that he or she would be in danger of enforced
disappearance.
Colombia
General allegation
34.
The Working Group received information from credible sources alleging obstacles
to the implementation of the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearance in Colombia. A general allegation was transmitted to the Government of
Colombia on 12 October 2017, focusing primarily on some concerns regarding the scope
and mandate of the Search Unit for Disappeared Persons (see annex I).
Democratic Peopleโs Republic of Korea
Urgent action
35.
On 23 August 2017, the Working Group, under its urgent action procedure,
transmitted to the Government of the Democratic Peopleโs Republic of Korea the case of
Jin Woo Ham, a journalist allegedly abducted by the authorities of the Democratic Peopleโs
Republic of Korea on 29 May 2017 at the border between the Yanbian Korean Autonomous
Prefecture in China and the Democratic Peopleโs Republic of Korea.
36.
In accordance with its methods of work, the Working Group transmitted a copy of
the case also to the Government of China.
Standard procedure
37.
1
6
The Working Group transmitted 26 cases to the Government (see annex II).
See https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadFile?gId=60326.