Senior United Nations official called for strict compliance with sanctions against North Korea

Ms. Nakamitsu noted that in recent months there have been allegations of transfers of ballistic missiles and munitions from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (commonly known as North Korea) to Russia, in violation of Council resolutions, allegedly for use in Moscow’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

“UN Security Council The sanctions regime is a top priority in joint international efforts to maintain international peace and security, and to prevent the illicit transfer of arms,” she said. speak.

“I recall that the relevant Security Council resolutions were legally binding on all United Nations member states.”

Sanctions Committee

Ms. Nakamitsu also referred to the final report of Council of experts supported Committee monitor the sanctions imposed by the Security Council in Resolution 1718.

The report states that “the Panel is investigating reports from member states regarding the supply of [DPRK] conventional arms and ammunition contrary to sanctions.”

She said that before the end of her term, the Panel had reviewed the Kyiv Government’s report on missile debris recovered in Ukraine, following information about short-range ballistic missiles produced by the DPRK and used by Russian forces.

In spite of The term of the Council of Experts has expired. On April 30, the 1718 Committee resumed its work and will monitor the implementation of the sanctions regime.

Countries must act responsibly

Ms. Nakamitsu pointed out that the countries of import, transit, production and export “must act responsibly at every step” along the arms and ammunition transfer chain to prevent diversion, illegal trafficking and misuse.

“Any transfer of arms and ammunition must comply with the applicable international legal framework, including relevant Security Council resolutions and the sanctions regimes they establish,” she said.

“As the Secretary-General has stated, any relationship that any country has with [DPRK]include [Russia]must fully comply with the relevant sanctions of the Security Council,” she recalled.

North Korea’s nuclear program

Further in her meeting, Ms. Nakamitsu noted that North Korea continues its nuclear weapons program and launch vehicle development, and has seen “significant increases” in ballistic missile launches in recent years. This.

Since 2022, North Korea has conducted more than 100 ballistic missile launches, including solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles and boosters using ballistic missile technology.

These violate several Security Council resolutions, Ms. Nakamitsu said.

She also mentioned a report from the nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)), the release of warm water from the cooling system of the Light Water Reactor at Yongbyon is a sign that the reactor has reached criticality.

“The IAEA also observed indications of a reported centrifuge enrichment facility and the expansion of another facility at the Kangson Complex,” she said.

Additionally, although there have been no recent signs of change at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site, the site remains inhabited.

Overview of the Security Council meeting on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Malicious network activities

Ms. Nakamitsu also expressed concern about reports of malicious cyber activities conducted by actors linked to Pyongyang, noting that malicious activity continues through the targeting of cryptocurrency-related companies.

Other trends observed include targeting the supply chain.

She emphasized that such reported actions were not consistent with the General Assembly’s framework on responsible State behavior in the use of information and communications technology (ICT).

On the contrary, such actions endanger international peace and security and undermine trust and stability between nations, she said.

Diplomacy, the only path to peace

Finally, Ms. Nakamitsu reiterated her call for North Korea to fully comply with its international obligations and called on all countries to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

“Diplomatic engagement remains the only path to sustainable peace and complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula”, she said, urging the resumption of talks and fostering an environment conducive to dialogue.