▲ This undated file image, provided by Yonhap News TV, shows a U.N. resolution on North Korean human rights being put to a vote. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(2nd LD) UN resolution-NK human rights

(2nd LD) U.N. Human Rights Council adopts resolution on N. Korea's human rights

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SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- The U.N. Human Rights Council has adopted this year's U.N. resolution on North Korea's human rights situation, co-sponsored by South Korea and 49 other nations.

The Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council adopted the resolution on Pyongyang's human rights by consensus at its 61st regular session Monday (local time), according to its website.

While the South Korean government reportedly considered opting out of the co-sponsorship this year amid its efforts to mend strained ties with Pyongyang, it has joined as a co-sponsor in an apparent bid to act in principle on recognizing the universal value of human rights.

An official at Seoul's foreign ministry took note that the latest resolution emphasized South Korea's efforts to resume talks with North Korea.

"We take note that the latest resolution acknowledges North Korea's efforts, including some cases of its compliance with human rights obligations," Seoul's foreign ministry said.

"We also note that the resolution emphasizes the importance of dialogue and engagement, including inter-Korean dialogue, to improve the human rights situation in North Korea," the ministry said.

South Korea was among the 61 co-sponsors of the resolution adopted at the U.N. General Assembly Third Committee last December.

Seoul was not on the co-sponsors' list for North Korean human rights resolutions from 2019-22, during the liberal government of former President Moon Jae-in.

Then it rejoined the co-sponsorship in 2023-25 under the conservative government of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who took a hard-line approach toward Pyongyang.

The U.N. resolution condemns "in the strongest terms" the long-standing and systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations and abuses in North Korea and urges the North to take "immediately all steps" necessary to end such crimes.

It also called on Pyongyang to immediately release those who are arbitrarily detained in the North and resume the reunions of Korean families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War.

North Korea has bristled at the international community's criticism of its human rights abuses, calling it a U.S.-led attempt to topple its regime.

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