Key UN committee condemns North Korea for not aiding people

A key U.N. committee approved a resolution Nov.14th condemning North Korea for diverting its resources to pursue nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles instead of helping its people, over half of whom need of more food and improved medical care.

Estonia's deputy U.N. ambassador Minna-Liina Lind accused North Korea of committing serious Human Rights violations "in a widespread and systematic way," including by its "inhumane conditions in detention camps," restricted freedom of movement and limitations on the right to information.

North Korea's U.N. Ambassador Ja Song Nam blindly pushes the responsibility to US, calling it "a product of the political and military confrontation, plot and conspiracy of the United States and other hostile forces."

He said that on the pretext of implementing sanctions, the delivery of medicine and medical equipment to North Korea has been cut, and most aid activities by international organizations that have worked in the country for over 20 years have been set back or reduced.

The resolution doesn't address the impact of sanctions, only the impact of diverting resources to advance nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs on the humanitarian and human rights situation in North Korea.

It "condemns the longstanding and ongoing systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights" in the North.

The commission concluded that crimes against humanity, including extermination, murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, persecution, deliberate starvation and disappearances were committed "pursuant to policies at the highest level of the state."

The resolution strongly urged North Korea's government to end Human Rights violations, including immediately closing political prison camps and releasing all political prisoners.

It also urged the government to allow all North Koreans freedom of movement and freedom to leave the country, including to seek asylum, and to ensure that those who are expelled or returned to the country are not punished.

Source: Associated Press (AP)