The U.S. government says it shares an understanding with the South Korean government on the issue of forced repatriation of North Korean defectors by China.

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, Maria Otero, said during a meeting at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, that Washington shares deep concern with the South Korean government over the plight of North Korean refugees and defectors.

Otero also said the U.S. government supports extending Marzuki Darusman's term as UN special rapporteur on North Korean human rights.

The U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China will hold a public hearing over the issue on March 5th.