North Korea accuses US of politicising human rights issues

1 week ago

North Korea accuses US of politicising human rights issues

A foreign ministry spokesperson said Pyongyang will make stern and decisive choices to protect its sovereignty and safety in response to Washington using human rights as a tool for invasion and hostile, anti-North Korea behaviour. ― Reuters file pic

Join us on our WhatsApp Channel, follow us on Instagram, and receive browser alerts for the latest news you need to know.

Saturday, 27 Apr 2024 10:18 AM MYT

SEOUL, April 27 — North Korea accused the United States today of politicising human rights in the East Asian country, denouncing what it called political provocation and conspiracy.

Pyongyang will make stern and decisive choices to protect its sovereignty and safety in response to Washington using human rights as a tool for invasion and hostile, anti-North Korea behaviour, state media KCNA quoted a foreign ministry spokesperson as saying.

The spokesperson cited a special envoy on human rights in the administration of President Joe Biden. The envoy on North Korean human rights issues, Julie Turner, visited Seoul and Tokyo in February to discuss North Korea.

An annual report this week by the State Department described “significant human rights issues” in North Korea.

It cited credible reports of “arbitrary or unlawful killings, including extrajudicial killings; enforced disappearance; torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by government authorities”. — Reuters