Inquiry into North Korea human rights abuses sought

Western powers are applying a new form of pressure on North Korea – already facing a tightening of sanctions over its nuclear and missile tests – through tougher UN censure of its human rights record.

In a move rights advocates say is long overdue, the EU and Japan are circulating a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council calling for a formal inquiry into North Korea’s record.

The move could lay the foundation for referring North Korea to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity over its gulag penal camps and other serious abuses. The action would also break down a de facto separation of human rights and nuclear diplomacy in dealing with North Korea.

Reuters