Photo: UN

New York (People’s Daily) – On Monday, a special Security Council meeting was held on human rights violations in North Korea at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

UN Human Rights Chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein addressed the Council, stressing how humanitarian aid for North Korea has not been fully realized as a result of the current sanctions.

“China opposes the UN Security Council's deliberation on the human rights situation in North Korea,” Wu Haitao, China Ambassador to the UN.

Wu reminded the Council that China opposes UN Security Council involvement on human rights issues. He referenced the UN Charter that clearly outlines department responsibilities.

Photo: UN

“UN Security Council’s primary responsibility is to safeguard international peace and security. It is not a place to deliberate human rights issues, nor should it be allowed it politicize such issues,” said Wu.

“China persists in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, upholds the principle of maintaining peace and stability, resolves issues through dialogue and consultation, and opposes war and unrest on the Korean peninsula,” Wu emphasized.

“At present, the Korean Peninsula situation is still complex and sensitive. The members of the UN Security Council and all parties concerned should do more to help ease the situation and avoid excitement and action that could escalate the situation. The Council's discussions on the issue of human rights in North Korea run counter to the abovementioned objectives, and are of no avail,” said Wu.

Wu urged all concerned parties to exercise restraint and take into account the bigger picture.

Wu explained that China wants its "double suspension" initiative to be taken seriously. Through such efforts, UN Security Council resolutions would be carried out and conditions necessary to resume dialogue and negotiations would emerge.

As Wu concluded, he stressed how China wants all parties involved to fulfil their commitments and have a constructive role in safeguarding the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, realizing peace and stability in the region.