North Korea hits out at UN meeting over its human rights abuses
Pyongyang lashes out over UN report detailing human rights abuses in North Korea, saying the US and West should 'mind their own business'
North Korea hit out early on Saturday at an informal meeting of the United Nations Security Council in which the body was urged to slap sanctions on Pyongyang officials responsible for human rights abuses.
Michael Kirby – the head of a special UN inquiry into North Korean rights abuses – had told Thursday’s get-together convened by Australia, France and the United States that “perpetrators must be held accountable”.
“It is necessary to deter further crimes,” the Australian judge said, adding that he also wanted the reclusive regime hauled before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for prosecution.
“Such frantic racket is aimed at tarnishing the image of the dignified DPRK at any cost.”
Kirby’s Commission of Inquiry on North Korea released a hard-hitting report on the nuclear-armed totalitarian state in February that documented a range of gross human rights abuses, including extermination, enslavement and sexual violence.
“The commission of inquiry therefore recommends to the Security Council the adoption of targeted sanctions against those individuals most responsible for crimes against humanity,” he told the informal meeting.
North Korea refused to co-operate with the probe and said the evidence was “fabricated” by “forces hostile” to the country.
Pyongyang did not send a representative to Thursday’s meeting, which was also snubbed by China – North Korea’s sole major ally – and Russia.
