UN General Assembly Urges Security Council To Refer North Korea To ICC

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Condemning "ongoing systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights" in North Korea, the United Nations General Assembly Thursday adopted a resolution by which it would transmit a UN-backed report probing such violations to the Security Council.

In a resolution adopted by a record vote of 116 in favor to 20 against, with 53 abstentions, the Assembly urged Security Council members to take appropriate action to ensure accountability, including through consideration of referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and of targeted sanctions against those appearing most responsible for crimes against humanity.

A 400-page report released in February by the UN Commission of Inquiry documents in great detail the rights violations committed in North Korea, and called for urgent action to address the human rights situation, including referral to the ICC.

The Assembly expressed its concern that Pyongyang refuses to recognize the Special Rapporteur's mandate or to cooperate, continuing not to acknowledge the grave human rights situation in the country, and failing to prosecute those responsible for violations, including those that may amount to crimes against humanity.

Strongly urging the Government of North Korea to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, it urges implementation of the commission's recommendations without delay. It also welcomes the recent willingness expressed by the Government to consider human rights dialogues, technical cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and a country visit of the Special Rapporteur.

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