asked Her Majesty's Government:

What information they have received from their diplomatic missions in south-east Asia about North Korean refugees, including some children, reaching that region; and whether they have received representations from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on that issue and on the treatment of North Koreans in China. [HL3224]

We are aware of recent media reports of North Korean refugees arriving in south-east Asia. Where appropriate, we will continue to lobby against the forcible expatriation to North Korea of people who do not wish to return.

Our missions in the region have so far not received representations from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). We continue to lobby for the UNHCR to have a role in the handling of North Korean refugees in China, as elsewhere.