SEOUL, March 31 (UPI) -- The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution condemning North Korea's human rights violations, with South Korea joining 49 other countries as a co-sponsor despite speculation it might withhold support as it seeks to improve relations with Pyongyang.
The resolution was adopted by consensus at the Council's 61st regular session Monday in Geneva. It expresses "deep concern about the systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea [and] the pervasive culture of impunity and lack of accountability for such violations."
The measure urges Pyongyang to undertake sweeping reforms, including dismantling political prison camps, ending forced labor and ensuring freedom of expression and movement.
The Council has adopted a North Korean human rights resolution every year since 2003.
South Korea had reportedly weighed opting out of co-sponsorship this year, as the administration of President Lee Jae Myung pursues renewed engagement with the North and seeks to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
