China opposes UN Security Coucil's consideration of the human rights situation in the DPRK: envoy

(ECNS) -- China opposes the UN Security Council's consideration of the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, at a session of the UN Security Council on Thursday.

The human rights situation in the DPRK does not pose a threat to international peace and security, Geng said, adding that according to the UN Charter, the primary responsibility of the Council is the maintenance of international peace and security, not addressing human rights issues.

“The Council should focus on fulfilling its responsibility under the Charter, strive to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes and the resolution of geopolitical confrontations, and deal with major and urgent issues that threaten international peace and security,” he said.

Geng suggested that at this complex and sensitive time, all parties should exercise calm and restraint, do more for peace and stability, and refrain from mutual provocation and escalatory words and deeds.

He stressed that pushing the Council to consider the human rights situation in the DPRK will not help ease, but escalate the situation. It is irresponsible and nonconstructive, and an abuse of the Council’s power.

“The hype on the human rights issue of the DPRK in the forum of the Security Council, in an attempt to divert attention, shirk responsibility, and exert pressure, will only do harm rather than help resolve the issue,” he said.

He proposed relevant country to take concrete actions and make concrete proposals to promote mutual trust and resume talk, support the adjustment of the sanctions against the DPRK, especially in the area of people's livelihoods, and immediately lift the unilateral coercive measures that have led to the deterioration of human rights situation in the country

Geng reiterated at the end of the speech that China is always committed to the maintenance of peace and stability, denuclearization, and resolution through dialogue and consultation on Peninsula.

“We are ready to continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the question of the peninsula and the realization of long-lasting peace and stability in Northeast Asia,” Geng said.