GENEVA (AFP) - The UN refugee agency on Friday urged China not to send back a group of North Koreans who fled to Chinese territory and who risk punishment if returned home.

   In a statement, the UNHCR said it "is closely following the situation of a group of some 25 North Koreans who were arrested in China in February."

   UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards said, "We have conveyed our concern that these people should not be sent back."

   The refugee agency said it "is encouraging all parties concerned to find a viable humanitarian solution in the best interest of these individuals and ensure their safety."

   Edwards said the agency wanted to ensure that they go through the correct channels to seek asylum.

   He said the agency became aware of the existence of the refugees through the South Korean media which reported that several groups of North Korean refugees have been caught by Chinese authorities this month and are awaiting repatriation.

   China is a close ally of the stalinist-like regime in North Korea.