UN official warns of human rights in N. Korea, calls for accountability

NEW YORK, May 21 (KUNA) - UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights and Head of the office the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Ilze Kehris warned that the human rights in North Korea is deteriorating, stressing the need for a global accountability.
Speaking at a UN General Assembly meeting late Tuesday, Kehris stated "Given the gravity and scale of the violations, and inability or unwillingness of the (DPRK) to pursue accountability, international accountability options must be considered, including referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court" She noted that while the international community has taken numerous steps over the decades to address human rights abuses in the country, these efforts have failed to change the status. Kehris also announced that the (OHCHR) will present a report to the Human Rights Council in September outlining new proposals to improve the situation in North Korea. (end) ast.sar.