The United Nations rapporteur on North Korean human rights says resolution of the human rights issue requires defusing the nuclear dispute and other security concerns.

In a Radio Free Asia interview Wednesday, Vitit Muntarbhorn said investigations into the North's kidnappings will focus on Japanese abductees for now, and it is unclear whether the probe will extend to South Korean victims.

Re-appointed to his post last month, he has asked the North to allow a human rights inspection.