Date Type 15/02/2016 AL Case No Country Mandate(s) RUS 1/2016 Russian Federation DPR Korea; Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply Allegations of restrictions to the right of freedom of movement in relation to an extradition treaty signed between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). According to the information received, in November 2015, the Russian Federation and DPRK signed an extradition treaty, calling for mutual assistance in criminal matters. On 2 February 2016, DPRK and the Russian Federation reportedly signed another treaty that calls for “transferring and readmitting individuals who have illegally left and are illegally present” on the territory of either country. The treaty aims to reduce the number of illegal migrants present in both countries, which reportedly relates to an established practice where DPRK sends its workers to work at logging and/or construction sites in the Russian Federation where they are subjected to severe working conditions and limitations of their basic rights, including freedom of movement. Some workers have reportedly sought asylum outside the DPRK, including in the Russian Federation, fearing persecution for deserting official employment, including torture, should they return to their country. Concern is expressed that this treaty might be used in contravention of the principle of non-refoulement. A related communication was sent to the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 15 February 2016, see above, case no. PRK 1/2016. A/HRC/32/53 75

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