After weeks of discussion on the contents of a draft resolution on the situation of human rights in North Korea, the members of the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution by consensus without a vote on Thursday. The resolution passed includes clauses which will see the establishment and mandates of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into possible crimes against humanity and human rights abuses in North Korea.
The draft resolution was introduced by Japan and by Mr. Gerard Corr on behalf of the EU. The draft resolution called for the establishment of a COI.
The COI has been mandated for one year. Thereafter, the COI will have the possibility of being extended again. The Commission will consist of three members: the Special Rapporteur on human rights in North Korea, Marzuki Darusman, and two other, as yet undecided, people. The three person team will "document and investigate serious violations of human rights."
Mr. So Se Pyung, the delegate from North Korea, stated that North Korea "resolutely rejects the anti-DPRK draft resolution submitted to this current session." They accused the sponsors of the draft of being politically motivated. Despite this opposition, the resolution called for North Korea to facilitate visits to the country by the COI team and the Special Rapporteur.
As well as the establishment of a COI, the mandate of the Special Rapporteur was also extended by the passing of the resolution.
Source: UN Web TV and Yonhap News
