The United Nations’ report on human rights in North Korea is a sickening document. It should give China’s leaders pause. Supporting the despicable regime of Kim Jong Un is not in their interests.
Michael Kirby, the retired Australian judge who led the inquiry, warns Kim that he might be personally culpable for crimes against humanity and could face international prosecution. Yet the investigators’ recommendation to arraign Kim and others is almost certain to fail, because China will veto it. Chinese officials refused to cooperate with the commission. A Foreign Ministry representative denounced the report for politicizing human rights.
China props up Kim’s rule with moral, diplomatic and economic help. It abets some of the regime’s worst crimes, forcing North Korean refugees-whom China calls economic migrants rather than asylum seekers-back to face imprisonment and torture.
If China wants to prevent a flood of refugees, here’s an idea: Instead of helping Kim oppress his people, try to help them.
Editorial, Pages 16 on 02/26/2014