S.Korea Gets Behind UN's N.Korea Resolution Again

South Korea will co-sponsor UN's semi-annual resolution condemning North Korea's human rights abuses for the first time in four years. 

The previous administration pointedly refrained from taking any leading role in the forlorn hope of appeasing the renegade North. 

A government official on Thursday said, "It is very important for President Yoon Suk-yeol to condemn crimes against human rights in North Korea and urge the regime to make improvements as he values freedom, democracy and human rights." 

The resolution is being drafted by the EU, which aims to have it ready by the end of October. It is expected to be adopted for the 18th consecutive year by the UN General Assembly at the end of the year. 

The international community has welcomed South Korea's return as a co-sponsor.

"Demonstrating international unity is critical in urging [North Korea] to respect and protect human rights. We would, therefore, welcome co-sponsorship of the resolution by as many UN member states as possible," including South Korea, the EU said Wednesday.

In addition to expressing concerns over systematic and serious human rights violations in the North, the resolution calls for their immediate cessation and access for humanitarian organizations.