Ana Gomes (S&D). − (PT) Mr President, the repatriation of refugees is against international law. It is unacceptable that it is being practised by a great power such as China, which has a special responsibility to comply with and enforce international law as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The Chinese authorities are well aware of this, so much so they have already promised to stop repatriating North Koreans who seek refuge in their country. However, it has been well documented that repatriation is continuing along the Chinese-Korean border and that this signifies that men, women, the elderly and children are being delivered up to torture, hunger, prison and death in North Korean concentration camps.

The European Union, which has a committed relationship with China on many levels, must not abandon its principles, values and permanent interests, and with all due loyalty and frankness it should tell China that it expects it to honour its obligations under the Geneva Convention. Refugees should no longer be handed over to North Korea. The High Representative and the Commission must include this matter in all of their political discussions with China, while continuing to support the organisations that provide assistance to North Korean refugees.