This event was held on the record. The three presenters presented an overview of the North Korean refugee crisis including: refoulement to North Korea, China’s role, the applicability of the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, and the international response. The speakers addressed the U.S. North Korean Human Rights Act, the status of North Korean refugees in the United States, and challenges faced throughout their resettlement process. In addition, the panel discussed the status of former North Koreans in South Korea, including challenges faced during their resettlement and naturalization process and the current South Korean government’s stance on escapee activists and human rights groups. Finally, the panel discussed the impact of the North Korean regime’s COVID “ultra-lockdown” on those who attempt to escape.