North Korean defectors in China have not received even a single dose of vaccination since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, NK news reported, and are thus being left unprotected.
China has been discriminating against defectors from North Korea by denying them Covid-19 vaccines and thus putting their lives at risk, reported US-based Radio Network Voice of America (VOA).
China has refused to provide treatment to refugees from North Korea, even after it lifted its Covid-19 restrictions.Due to a lack of identity proof, the refugees are not provided treatment even
The Daily NK, quoted a source who said that North Korean defectors in China can't receive treatment even if they are infected. In absence of an identity card,they are not entitled to vaccination.
North Korean defectors in China have not received even a single dose of vaccination since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, NK news reported, and are thus being left unprotected.
One defector, in a telephonic conversation with Daily NK, said defectors cannot receive tests even if they are infected with the Covid-19 virus, so they take cold medicines instead.
The NK news source,many defectors in China are expressing despair,talking of "bitter sorrow"about not being officially recognized by the Chinese government and how it would be better to die than live.
China, which is a close ally of North Korea, doesn't consider its defectors as refugees but sees them as illegal economic migrants. Under its border agreement with North Korea.