UN rights chief says int'l law protects N. Korean POWs in Ukraine from repatriation

“United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the principle of non-refoulement applies to the two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) detained in Ukraine, citing obligations under international humanitarian and human rights laws. Non-refoulement is a principle of international law that prohibits states from returning individuals to a country where they face a real risk of persecution, torture or serious harm. This marks the first time the U.N. rights chief has publicly invoked the principle in relation to the North Korean POWs held in Ukraine. During a press conference in Seoul, Wednesday, Türk said the legal framework governing the treatment of the prisoners is clear. “International humanitarian law and international human rights law applies, and it means proper treatment, including the obligation not to send them back to areas where they could be ending up with harm. The principle of non-refoulement applies to them, which is part of the international legal framework,” he said. His office maintains a presence in Ukraine and is aware of the cases, he added. Tü

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