The United States on Friday accused China and Russia of trying to cover up North Korea’s atrocities by blocking a webcast of an informal UN Security Council meeting on Pyongyang’s human rights violations.
“Some Council members are all too willing to shield the regime from accountability,” said US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, referring to China and Russia.
Both countries are trying to argue that the 15-member Security Council is not the place to talk about human rights. In their opinion, meetings on this matter should be limited to other UN bodies, such as the Human Rights Council or the General Assembly.
Chinese representative Xing Jisheng assessed the meeting, hosted by the US and Albania, that it was not constructive “in any way”. In his opinion, broadcasting the meeting via UN Internet television would be a waste of resources” and “an irresponsible step”.
The Reuters agency explains that all 15 members of the Council must agree to transmit informal discussions. According to diplomats, the transmission is rarely blocked. Despite China’s actions, Friday’s meeting was public and journalists attended.
According to Thomas-Greenfield, North Korea’s missile and nuclear armaments are “inextricably linked to the regime’s human rights violations.” “The pursuit of weapons of mass destruction always tramples on the human rights and humanitarian needs of the people (…) Kim Jong Un chose ammunition over food, rockets over humanity,” she said.
According to Reuters sources, the UN Security Council will probably meet on Monday for a formal meeting devoted to Thursday’s missile test by Pyongyang, which then launched an intercontinental-range ballistic missile into the sea. (PAP)
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