North Korea condemns UN human rights report

North Korea has issued a strong condemnation against a human rights report on the country submitted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the 81st UN General Assembly. A spokesperson for the North Korean Foreign Ministry claimed the report is a product of “malicious slander and conspiracy propaganda” by hostile forces, led by the United States, and accused the Secretary-General of distorting the reality of the nation's human rights situation.

The North Korean government asserted that “human rights are 곧 national sovereignty” and warned that any attempt to undermine the dignity or systems of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will be treated as a serious violation of sovereignty. The ministry expressed contempt for the UN, alleging it has become an unequal and undemocratic body that serves the interests of specific nations and minority groups.

The report submitted by Guterres covers the period from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024. It highlights a continuous deterioration of human rights in North Korea, specifically noting the increased use of advanced technology to strengthen surveillance and control over citizens. Additionally, the report expressed concern regarding the arbitrary detention of South Korean nationals and the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors.