In rare move, China blocks webcasting of UN North Korea rights meeting

Robert Besser
18 Mar 2023, 16:41 GMT+10

China has blocked the United States from broadcasting over the internet an informal United Nations Security Council meeting on human rights abuses in North Korea.
The meeting was scheduled for Match 17, but the 15 council members have to unanimously agree to allow it to be webcast.
Pyongyang rejects accusations of human rights abuses and blames sanctions for a dire humanitarian situation in North Korea.

UNITED NATIONS: China has blocked the United States from broadcasting over the internet an informal United Nations Security Council meeting on human rights abuses in North Korea.

Diplomats said it is rare for a broadcast to be blocked.

The meeting was scheduled for Match 17, but the 15 council members have to unanimously agree to allow it to be webcast.

China told its council colleagues this week, in an email seen by Reuters, that the discussion "won't bring any benefit, and we have been against the holding of this ... meeting from the very beginning," China said.

Pyongyang rejects accusations of human rights abuses and blames sanctions for a dire humanitarian situation in North Korea. The country has been under U.N. sanctions over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs since 2006.

"Why is China so afraid of discussing human rights publicly?" asked a U.N. diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The aim of the informal council discussion is to spotlight rights abuses in North Korea and "identify opportunities for the international community to promote accountability," according to a note to council members last week from the United States and elected council member Albania, which is co-hosting the meeting.

The discussion comes amid increasing international tensions over North Korea.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Colorado Star.

More Information

24 ℉

Fair in Aurora/Buckley Afb

International Business

Section

China economy remains slow as industrial profits down 4% in 2023

BEIJING, California: As the world's second-largest economy is still struggling to fully recover from the long-term effects of COVID-19, most ...

Closing of SVB Bank causes fall in deposits in small US banks

NEW YORK CITY, New York: Deposits at small U.S. banks throughout the country dropped the most since 2007 after the ...

Ford EVs will lose $3 billion pretax in 2023, says officials

DETROIT, Michigan: In a briefing for investors and analysts this week, Ford Motor Co. reported that while its electric vehicle ...

Tottering Virgin space business receives $200 million from investor

LONDON, England: Reuters has reported that struggling Virgin Orbit, owned by billionaire Richard Branson, is nearing a $200-million investment deal ...

U.S. says businesses receiving federal funds cannot work with China

WASHINGTON D.C.: The US Commerce Department has proposed new laws aimed at preventing China and other countries deemed of concern ...

Mexico to become EV production hub despite low local demand

MEXICO CITY, Mexico: Amid Tesla's plan to open a $5 billion Gigafactory in the country, Mexico will soon become an ...

US

Section