North Korean refugees gathered in New Malden last week to speak about human rights abuses they have suffered.

New Malden has a 20,000 strong South Korean population and is also home to more North Korean refugees than anywhere else in Europe.

The event at the Shiraz Community Trust Hall, in Manor Park, was organised by the European Alliance for Human Rights in North Korea (EAHRNK) for refugee week.

Jiyoung Kang, who faced starvation, torture and the loss of her family in her home country, described her escape from North Korea.

After being repatriated three times and hiding for five years in China, Jiyoung Kang finally made it to Britain where she has settled in New Malden with her 11-year-old granddaughter.

Surrey Comet:

Maurice Wren, Director of the Refugee Council and North Korean defector Jiyoung Kang (Photos by @EAHRNK) 

EAHRNK’s communications and events officer Felicity Spencer-Smith said: "New Malden residents, many of whom were not aware of the North Korean asylum issue, and members of the North Korean community were brought together by the event.

"Guests remarked on how informative it was, and Jiyoung's admirable will to survive and create a successful life for herself in the UK.

"Many are aware of North Korean human rights violations but feel that the issue is happening too far away for them to take action. Realising that these survivors are in fact their neighbours helps bring home the reality of North Korea."

Green Party MEP Jean Lambert wrote a speech for the event, criticising the UK government’s crackdown on granting refugees from North Korea asylum.

She said: "Human rights abuses in North Korea are a case apart; a totalitarian state where people are tortured in 2015 is unacceptable.

"A future in which North Koreans can live free of oppression is worth working for.

"Home Secretary Theresa May must rethink refusing North Korean refugees asylum in the UK.

"We must do more to accept those seeking asylum, for those here tonight I wish you sanctuary and peaceful haven in the UK.

"I have called for this country to accept more people seeking asylum from murderous regimes, and I will continue to do so."