North Korea Tells EU to "Mind Its Own Business" Over UN Rights Draft
At a Glance
North Korea has condemned a European Union draft UN resolution on its human rights record.
Pyongyang called the move a provocation.
The resolution is expected to go to a UN committee vote later this month.
North Korea lashed out at the European Union over its draft UN resolution addressing human rights in the country, state media reported Thursday, telling the bloc to focus on its own affairs.
Key Statements and Focus Area
Pyongyang on the Draft: "The EU submitted again a 'draft resolution' flagrantly distorting the human rights policy and situation of the DPRK." — North Korea's UN mission, via the Korean Central News Agency.
Pyongyang on the EU: "The EU had better mind its own business, instead of hyping up the non-existent 'human rights issues'." — North Korea's UN mission.
Focus Area: North Korea's rejection of the EU-drafted UN resolution on its human rights record.
The North's UN mission described the move as a "farce" and a "politically-motivated provocation," saying human rights are "by no means a monopoly of the West."
It also pointed to demonstrations in European cities from Paris to Brussels, arguing that people there are demanding elementary rights such as the right to existence.
The resolution is expected to be adopted by the UN General Assembly's Third Committee later this month before going to the full assembly for final approval.
FYI
The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution condemning North Korea's human rights violations every year since 2005.
Pyongyang has long been accused of widespread abuses, including running prison camps and severely restricting freedom of expression and access to information, while little is known about its criminal justice system.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said last year that conditions have shown no improvement over the past decade and have, in many cases, worsened.
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