The European Union says Laos’s repatriation of nine North Korean escapees is in violation of the international ban on forced repatriations.

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton expressed deep concern in a statement that the nine refugees may face severe punishment back home.

She called on all nations "to observe the principle of non-refoulement which is a core tenet of international humanitarian law and to refrain from any expulsion of refugees to countries where they may face persecution."

Ashton also urged North Korea to "abide by international humanitarian and human rights standards and ensure that the nine escapees will not be subject to the death penalty, torture or any cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment."