China has forcibly repatriated 406 North Koreans since last year, according to a new report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday, despite U.N. warnings that these people face harsh repercussions back in the DPRK.

According to the rights group, the individuals were among more than 1,000 people repatriated to North Korea since 2020, where they face possible torture, imprisonment, sexual violence, forced labor and even execution.

HRW said the Chinese government’s actions contravene international obligations under treaties prohibiting refoulement, or the return of individuals to countries where they face serious harm.

“Chinese authorities are sending hundreds of North