Members of the House Human Rights Commission hosted a congressional hearing this week, shining a spotlight on how China is ignoring the plight of North Korean refugees living in the country.
Lawmakers heard firsthand the horrors of three North Korean women who were sold into the sex trade.
"Ninety percent of the women who flee North Korea fall victims to traffickers, and the Chinese government does nothing about it," Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., said. "In fact, it is the Chinese government's ruthless policy of repatriating North Koreans that makes them so vulnerable to the traffickers."
"Hopefully, when President Obama meets with the leader, particularly the leader of China later on this year, he will raise this issue. He will raise this," Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va, added.
"This administration has lost its voice. It is silent on these issues. And this aught to be on the forefront," Wolf said. "Nuclear issues are important, but human rights for the people of North Korea is particularly important too."
China also returns refugees to North Korea, where they face imprisonment and death.
Some recommended that China's status be upgraded on the State Department's human trafficking list. Doing so would allow the United States to place economic sanctions on the country.
