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?
In a special edition of the Asia News Weekly on Korea Times podcast, host Steve Miller talks with Joanna Hosaniak, a Seoul-based activist who helped initiate the United Nation's recent push to hold Pyongyang accountable for its human rights abuses.
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."
Hosaniak discusses the role of civil society in pushing for the U.N. report and the overall human rights situation in the impoverished country.
In a special edition of the Asia News Weekly on Korea Times podcast, host Steve Miller talks with Joanna Hosaniak, a Seoul-based activist who helped initiate the United Nation's recent push to hold Pyongyang accountable for its human rights abuses.
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."
Hosaniak discusses the role of civil society in pushing for the U.N. report and the overall human rights situation in the impoverished country.
