South Korea’s parliament has passed a resolution demanding that China stops the repatriation of North Korean refugees.
The move follows a string of protests over the fate of some 30 North Koreans who are reportedly facing deportation from China and harsh repercussions.
The resolution was backed by 154 lawmakers on Tuesday.
They also called on the United Nations and other bodies to put pressure on Beijing to follow international law.
China says that the North Koreans are “illegal economic migrants” who must be returned home. Its stand on the North Koreans is not a new policy – it has been sending back those it finds within its borders for many years.
But there is increased concern over the issue since the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.
Reports from inside North Korea say the country’s new leader has issued a decree pledging to exterminate the families of anyone caught trying to flee, the BBC Lucy Williamson reports from Seoul.
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak spoke out on the issue last week.