ANCHOR: The United Nation’s Human Rights Council has agreed to launch a commission to investigate North Korean human rights abuses.
Our Bae Joo-yon has more.

REPORT: The UN Human Rights Council’s 47 members approved a resolution by consensus in Geneva Thursday to establish a commission of inquiry.

The commission will operate for a year investigating North Korea’s human rights situation and crimes against humanity, including torture and forced labor.

The resolution was submitted by the European Union and Japan and backed by other nations including the U.S.

South Korea’s Permanent Mission to the UN Secretariat and International Organizations in Geneva said three officials will make up the commission, including UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in North Korea Marzuki Darusman.

North Korea’s Ambassador to Switzerland So Se-pyong attended the council’s gathering on Thursday as an observer and said his country cannot accept the resolution. He said the resolution is politically charged and aimed at damaging North Korea’s image.

The envisioned commission will report its findings to the UN General Assembly and UN Human Rights Council.

Bae Joo-yon, KBS World Radio News.