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NOTES: http://asianewsweekly.net/2014/11/05/human-rights-north-korea-matter/
The United Nations is currently taking up the issue of Human Rights abuses in North Korea. What’s the big deal and why are some trying to refer the matter to the International Criminal Court? It’s a conversation taking place in Asia… now.
Michael Kirby, a former Australian judge led the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on North Korea’s alleged human rights violations. In February, they produced a 372-page report.
It detailed wide-ranging abuses, including prison camps, systematic torture, starvation and killings comparable to Nazi-era atrocities. The report's publication prompted calls among Western states and their allies for punitive action against North Korea.
A draft resolution prepared for the Third Committee by the EU and Japan, urges the General Assembly to send the regime to the International Criminal Court in The Hague to stand trial for crimes against humanity. It’s the first time a measure this strong has ever been requested.
"The United Nations is about to meet a moment of truth," Kirby said. "The essential question will be whether the United Nations will stay the course and adhere to making the principle of accountability of great crimes a reality."
North Korea responded by releasing its own, more rosy human rights account.
Joining me via Skype is Joanna Hosaniak, Deputy Director General, of the Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights to discuss the DPRK, its human rights status, and the matter before the UN.
After you’ve listened to our conversation, it’s time to hear from you. Are North Korean human rights violations a matter of importance for the world? If the call to refer the regime to the ICC fails to go through, does that mean the UN is useless and all this was for not?
Share your thoughts in the comments, on Facebook, or Twitter.
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Steve Miller
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