UN working to confirm forced repatriations of North Koreans, special envoy says | NK News
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October 05, 2026Oct 05, 2026

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UN working to confirm forced repatriations of North Koreans, special envoy says

Elizabeth Salmon raises concern about some 1,500 DPRK nationals imprisoned in China as North Korea opens borders

The U.N. special envoy for North Korean human rights said the U.N. is “analyzing multiple sources” to determine if China is forcibly repatriating North Koreans detained in the country as the DPRK opens its borders.

“We are analyzing multiple sources. But what I can say to you is that I am very concerned,” Elizabeth Salmon said at a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday, marking the end of her second official visit to South Korea. 

The special rapporteur visited the ROK from Sept. 4-12 to meet with South Korean government officials, civil society organizations and North Korean escapees.

“The U.N.