A total of 43 North Korean defectors have reportedly been granted refugee status in the United States since a new law on refugees was enacted in 2004.

Quoting a U.S. State Department official, Voice of America reported that, as of Wednesday, 43 North Koreans have resettled in the U.S. as refugees since the country enacted the North Korea Human Rights Act of 2004.

The report also said that 130 North Korean escapees have been granted refugee status in Britain, while seven others have been taken in by Norway.

Another U.S. government-funded broadcaster, Radio Free Asia, reported on the same day that only four North Koreans have been allowed into Canada as refugees over the past 12 years. The first request by a North Korean for protection by Canada was filed in 1996.