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The UN report is being seen by many as a wake-up call to the world... to take action against
the human rights abuses being committed in North Korea.
The North's ally China, however, may put the brakes on international efforts to tackle
the issue. Kim Ji-yeon reports. Although the atrocities
laid out in the UN report on the human rights abuses in North Korea have been in the public
domain for years,... the report is being seen as a renewed call to action.
The chairman of the UN inquiry, Michael Kirby, said the report "calls for attention from
the international community," highlighting the deep regret that was felt after the atrocities
of the Second World War came to light.
"If only we had known that. Well now, the international community does know, the international
community will know. There will be no excusing a failure of action because we didn't know.
We do know."
The inquiry, conducted by the panel of experts under the direction of the UN's Human Rights
Council, is regarded as the highest-profile attempt by the international community to
investigate the abuses in the reclusive state... and the evidence gathered could lay a foundation
for future
claims in the International Criminal Court. The UN Human Rights Council is expected to
adopt a resolution on the issue when the panel formally presents its findings next month.
Yet it remains unclear what actions will follow. China, North Korea's long-time ally, will
likely block attempts to refer the North to the International Criminal Court, using its
power as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
As expected, the report has raised questions about its possible impact on relations between
North and South Korea. Seoul has welcomed the UN's findings and vowed
to cooperate with the international community to improve the human rights situation in the
North. North Korea, on the other hand, has flatly
rejected the report, saying it will deal strongly with any outside attempts to topple the North
Korean regime. The two Koreas recently made a breakthrough
during high-level talks held last week, deciding to revive reunions for families separated
by the Korean War. The first round of the reunions scheduled
to take place this week. Kim Ji-yeon, Arirang News.