(LEAD) S. Korea co-sponsors U.N. resolution on N.K. human rights

▲ 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)

(LEAD) S Korea-UN resolution

(LEAD) S. Korea co-sponsors U.N. resolution on N.K. human rights

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SEOUL, March 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has joined as a co-sponsor of this year's U.N. resolution on North Korean human rights, the foreign ministry said Saturday, despite earlier expectations that Seoul might skip the move in line with its conciliatory gestures toward Pyongyang.

"Under the stance of cooperating with the international community for the practical improvement of the human rights of North Korean residents, the government took part as a co-sponsor of the North Korean human rights resolution through consultation with relevant government institutions," the ministry said.

The resolution, drafted by the European Union and Australia, is expected to be adopted at a regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council later this month.

While the government reportedly considered opting out of the co-sponsorship this year amid efforts to mend frayed ties with the North, it appears to have made the decision to act in principle on recognizing the universal value of human rights.

North Korea's persistent hostility against the South, despite continued efforts to ease inter-Korean tensions, also likely played a role in the decision.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un formally labeled South Korea the "most hostile state" in his speech to the newly elected rubber-stamp parliament Monday, its state media reported.

South Korea was among the 61 co-sponsors for the resolution adopted at the U.N. General Assembly Third Committee last December. Seoul co-sponsored the resolution from 2008-18 but skipped it from 2019-21 during the former administration of Moon Jae-in.

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