Washington said on Friday that the United Nations’ decision to set up a commission of inquiry (COI) to examine human rights in North Korea was a warning to the isolated state from the international community.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the UN’s decision to probe North Korean human rights abuses, which she called “grave, widespread and systemic,” was held in high regard.

The comments came after the delegates of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva from 47 nations passed a resolution by consensus to set up the COI on March 21.

Nuland said Washington was pleased that the UN’s resolution was passed in a unanimous vote, saying it sent a message to the North that the international community is keeping a close eye on the human rights situation there.

Regarding reports that China stopped exports of crude oil to North Korea in February, Nuland said she was aware of the reports and that Washington was looking at additional information regarding the matter.

The spokeswoman said the U.S. was in deep negotiations with China regarding North Korea, putting pressure on the North as a result.

Meanwhile, North Korea's Foreign Ministry spokesman denounced the UN resolution, calling it "political trickery that deserves no respect."