The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted this year's resolution on North Korea's human rights situation by consensus on Monday local time. Co-sponsored by South Korea and 49 other nations, the resolution strongly condemns systematic violations and urges immediate steps to end them. South Korea's foreign ministry noted its emphasis on dialogue, including inter-Korean talks.
The Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council adopted the resolution on Pyongyang's human rights by consensus at its 61st regular session on Monday local time, according to its website and South Korea's diplomatic mission there.
The resolution condemns "in the strongest terms" North Korea's long-standing, systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations and urges it to take "immediately all steps" necessary to end such crimes. It also calls on Pyongyang to release those arbitrarily detained and resume reunions of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War.
South Korea reportedly considered opting out of co-sponsorship amid efforts to mend ties with North Korea but joined with 49 other nations to uphold the universal value of human rights. Seoul co-sponsored from 2008-18, skipped during Moon Jae-in's administration from 2019-22, and rejoined under Yoon Suk Yeol from 2023-25.
An official at Seoul's foreign ministry said, "We take note that the latest resolution acknowledges North Korea's efforts, including some cases of its compliance with human rights obligations." The ministry added that it "emphasizes the importance of dialogue and engagement, including inter-Korean dialogue, to improve the human rights situation in North Korea."
North Korea has bristled at international criticism of its human rights record, calling it a U.S.-led attempt to topple its regime.
