UN fears N Korea violations

Reuters

NORTH KOREAN LEADER: Kim Jong-il's country has been accused of violations by a UN committee.

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A key United Nations committee is expressing very serious concern at widespread reports of torture and other grave human rights violations in North Korea.

The General Assembly human rights committee approved a resolution on Thursday on human rights violations in the reclusive communist nation, by a vote of 97-19 with 65 abstentions.

The resolution must now be approved at a plenary session of the 192-member world body where its adoption is virtually certain.

North Korea rejected the resolution as an attempt to change its system of government and an interference in its internal affairs.

The resolution expresses very serious concern at public executions, arbitrary detention, limitations on freedom of movement, punishment of refugees and asylum seekers, and restrictions on freedom of speech, religion and assembly in North Korea.

- AP