The UN has adopted a human rights resolution condemning North Korea’s human rights violations for the 20th year in a row.
On Tuesday, the UN General Assembly held a plenary session at its New York headquarters and passed the North Korean human rights resolution by unanimous consent without a vote.
The UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, responsible for human rights issues, had previously approved the North Korean human rights resolution without a vote on November 20. It then forwarded it to the plenary session, where it was adopted by consensus.
This marks 20 consecutive years of the UN General Assembly adopting the North Korea human rights resolution since 20005.
This year, the resolution, which calls for improvements in North Korea’s human rights situation, includes new content.
It specifically notes North Korea’s January declaration to cease pursuing reunification with South Korea, expressing concern that this stance could adversely affect human rights, especially the separated families.
The resolution also urges North Korea to abolish or reform all practices and laws that severely restrict freedom of thought and conscience. It cites specific legislation, including the Reactionary Ideology and Culture Rejection Law, the Youth Education Guarantee Law, and the Pyongyang Cultural Language Protection Law.
However, the UN General Assembly’s resolutions are not legally binding under international law.
