North Korea Boycott UN Rights Council

North Korea has said it will no longer take part in UN Human Rights Council session examining its rights record.

Foreign Minister Ri Su-yong accused the council of “politicisation, selectivity and double standards” and of “singling out” North Korea for criticism.

The UN council has repeatedly criticised North Korea over its treatment of their citizens.

The move is likely to further isolate North Korea, which is due to face new sanctions.

The UN Security Council is set to vote on Wednesday on the new measures, in response to the North’s fourth test of a nuclear weapon and its launching of a satellite.

Both moves contravened existing sanctions.

He said North Korea would “never, ever be bound” by any resolution adopted by the Council.

A UN report in 2014 accused the North of “systematic, widespread and grave violations of human rights”, including disappearances, forced labour, torture, rape and infanticide.