A/HRC/31/70 transitional justice process that reflects the unique situation of the Korean peninsula, while ensuring accountability as required under international law. 13. During his visit, the Special Rapporteur also met with a member of a family separated as a result of the Korean War. While welcoming the reunion of family members in October 2015, the Special Rapporteur is seriously concerned that many family members have reached an advanced age; the issue therefore requires urgent and practical solutions shaped with the participation of these victims. In this regard, the separation of families should not be seen as a humanitarian issue, but recognized as a human rights violation that continues to affect families in the two States at multiple levels. 14. The Special Rapporteur expresses his appreciation for the support received from the Republic of Korea throughout his mandate. 2. Japan 15. The Special Rapporteur visited Japan from 18 to 22 January 2016. During his visit, he met with the Minister for Abduction Issues and Minister of Foreign Affairs, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, the National Police Agency, the Cabinet Intelligence Office, the Supreme Court and the Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea. He also met with members of the Association of Families of Abductees and other representatives of civil society and journalists. 3. China 16. In October 2015, on the margins of the session of the Third Committee of the General Assembly, the Special Rapporteur met with officials from China to discuss the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The formation of a contact group of countries with close, friendly diplomatic relations with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was also discussed. The Special Rapporteur reiterated his concern that the forcible repatriation faced by nationals of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, who in their attempt to leave the country crossed the border to China, was in breach of provisions of international law on non-refoulement. The Special Rapporteur notes the critical role that China plays in bringing concrete and meaningful changes to the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and hopes that the next mandate holder will continue the constructive dialogue that he has had with the Government of China. C. 1. Efforts by the Office of the High Commissioner Establishment of a field-based structure 17. On 23 June 2015, OHCHR opened its field-based structure in Seoul pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 25/25. The Office is tasked with strengthening, monitoring and documenting the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, improving the engagement and capacity-building of stakeholders and maintaining the visibility of the situation. During the visits conducted by the Special Rapporteur to the Republic of Korea in September and November 2015, he had fruitful discussion with the staff members of the Office, which is now fully operational. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the establishment of this office and hopes that it will build upon and expand the work undertaken by the commission of inquiry and maintain an effective partnership with the next mandate holder. 4