Washington:Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called upon the United Nations to address North Korea's human rights situation in conjunction with security concerns in future diplomatic engagements with Pyongyang.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the New York-based rights organization, in a commentary published Monday, emphasized the importance of the U.N. General Assembly recommending that future dialogues with North Korea integrate human rights and security issues, rather than treating them as separate concerns. This recommendation comes in light of a recent U.N. report that highlights increasing repression in the country.
Audrey Gregg, HRW's senior coordinator for Asia, stated in the commentary that both security and rights issues need to be tackled simultaneously. She noted that while the U.N. Security Council remains in a stalemate, the General Assembly possesses the authority to bridge these issues. Gregg stressed that North Korean human rights matters should not be overshadowed by the focus on security issues, especially as the United States and South Korea continue diplomatic discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
The commentary was released following a report presented by U.N. Special Rapporteur Elizabeth Salmon to a U.N. General Assembly committee on October 27. The report highlighted North Korea's increased use of public executions, enhanced surveillance, and stricter limitations on fundamental freedoms. Gregg also highlighted the connection between North Korea's human rights violations, such as forced labor, and its nuclear weapons program, citing prior U.N. findings that the government allocates substantial resources to maintaining its nuclear arsenal while many citizens suffer from chronic hunger.