[JURIST] The issue of accountability of those responsible for crimes against humanity in the country remains at the top of the agenda, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation in the People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Marzuki Darusman said [press release] Friday. The comments come a few days ahead of the General Assembly’s vote on a resolution which will decide whether the situation in North Korea will be submitted to Security Council for a referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC) [official website]. Two weeks ago, Darusman met for the first time with a delegation of senior DPRK officials. They invited Darusman for a country visit on the condition that all references to accountability of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un [BBC profile] and possible referral to the ICC contained in the draft resolution on the situation in North Korea be removed. “I should be invited to visit DPRK without any preconditions and irrespective of the adoption of the resolution,” Darusman said. “From here on, it is important to already think of preparing the ground for accountability processes.” The expert also said that the combined pressures from the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) have opened new dialogue with the DPRK which, he believes, may lead to changes in the country. “I believe a two-track approach should be taken,” stated Darusman. “Ensuring accountability of those responsible for serious human rights violations, and providing technical assistance to help make a difference in the lives of the people of North Korea, including victims.” Darusman also expressed concern on the issue of abductions of South Korean nationals by North Korea, and of North Korea workers sent abroad and reportedly subjected by North Korea to forced labor.

Earlier this week Darusman announced [JURIST report] that there is enough evidence to hold North Korean leader Kim Jong Un responsible for “massive” human rights atrocities committed in the country. The UN has sought to investigate and counter alleged human rights abuses in North Korea in the past. The UN Human Rights Council [official website] in March adopted a resolution [JURIST report] urging the UN Security Council to take action against those responsible for documented crimes against humanity in North Korea. In February then-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stated that there can no longer be any excuses for inaction [JURIST report] in North Korea following the release of a UN report. In September the UN Human Rights Commission reported widespread human rights abuses [JURIST report] occurring in the country. Last year Darusman and a group of independent human rights experts announced their support for an international inquiry [JURIST report] into human rights violations in North Korea to bring awareness to the country’s system of political prison camps. Also last year Darusman urged the UNHRC and the General Assembly to investigate human rights violations [JURIST report] in North Korea.