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UN human rights committee OKs resolution on N. Korea

November 19, 2015
North Korean defectors Joseph Kim, left, Jay Jo, center, and Kim Hye-Sook participate in a panel on North Korean human rights abuses at United Nations headquarters, Thursday, April 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

North Korean defectors Joseph Kim, left, Jay Jo, center, and Kim Hye-Sook participate in a panel on North Korean human rights abuses at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly’s human rights committee has adopted a resolution condemning North Korea’s bleak human rights situation and encouraging the Security Council to refer the country to the International Criminal Court.

The European Union and Japan have been pursuing such resolutions every year. This year, 112 countries voted in support of the resolution, while 19 countries voted against it and 50 countries abstained.

North Korea in a statement criticized the resolution and blamed its passing on the United States “and other hostile forces.”

The resolution now goes to the full General Assembly. While such resolutions are not binding, they are a chance for the international community to express its point of view.

The Security Council this year has not yet discussed North Korea’s human rights.