Human rights no excuse to pressure DPRK

Second, the Security Council's decision, which could be seen as straitjacketing the DPRK, can further complicate the situation in the country. Since assuming power two years ago, Kim Jong-un has tended to pay more attention to his country's economic development and reform despite issuing occasional nuclear threats to thwart international pressure. Therefore, helping the DPRK to start its economic reform and opening up in real terms, and deal with its nuclear issue step by step, are far better ways of getting the country integrated with the rest of the world.

Since mounting economic sanctions have already dealt a blow to the DPRK's sagging economy, accusations of human rights violations are more than it can handle. Should Pyongyang decide to isolate itself from the rest of the world again, it will become even more difficult for the international community to resolve any of the thorny issues plaguing the Korean Peninsula.

But some countries' politicians seem desperate to oust the present DPRK leadership by politicizing its human rights record after their economic blockades failed to complete the "peaceful evolution" (from socialism back to capitalism) in the country. Such ill-intentioned plans not only thwarted genuine attempts to resolve the DPRK's nuclear issue, but also worsened the already volatile situation on the Peninsula.

Human rights have to be protected, and there can be no two opinions about it. But it should never be used as an excuse to pressure other countries, especially those in a complex and sensitive situation.

Only genuine and concerted efforts, including dialogues and negotiations, can ease tensions in Northeast Asia. This is something that China has made clear. As China's Permanent Representative to the UN Liu Jieyi recently said, all sides should focus on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and safeguarding regional peace and stability.

The author is a professor of Korean Studies at Yanbian University in Jilin province.