A UN commission of inquiry on North Korean human rights abuses has begun in Geneva.

In March of this year, the UN Human Rights Council’s 47 members approved a resolution to establish the one-year commission of inquiry. 

The three-member commission said at a news conference in Geneva on Friday, local time, that they have started operation by sending a letter urging North Korean authorities to allow the commission's on-site investigation.

The commission will look into North Korea’s human rights situation and crimes against humanity, including torture, forced labor and abductions of foreigners. After the probe, it will submit a report to the Human Rights Council.

Michael Kirby, the head of the commission, said the investigation will be guided by international human rights standards and adopt various new methods for efficiency.

He added that the commission is planning to visit both Koreas and Japan in August, to interview North Korean exiles.