The draft resolution was vetoed and hence not adopted.
Norway strongly condemns the DPRK’s recent series of ballistic missile launches - including the launch of an ICBM - in clear violation of several Security Council resolutions.
We are also deeply concerned by disturbing rhetoric on nuclear weapons and developments in the DPRK’s nuclear programme.
Norway therefore voted in favour of the resolution in a response to these developments, and the threat the DPRK’s actions poses to regional, as well as international peace and security.
The proposed resolution would have broadened the humanitarian exemption mechanisms considerably.
This would have been a timely update given the critical humanitarian needs in the DPRK - especially after recent reports of COVID-19 spreading throughout the country.
We regret that the use of the veto prevented this Council from fulfilling its mandate and taking necessary action on this very serious, and escalating security and humanitarian situation.
We recognise that the General Assembly- in accordance with the consensus resolution 76/262 will now take up this issue for discussion in line with its own responsibilities towards international peace and security.
And we expect that the Council will fulfill the provision of 76/262 inviting it to submit a Special Report on this issue for the consideration of the General Assembly.
We call on the Secretariat to produce such a report in consultation with the Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions - and Annex to it, the PV from this meeting.
President,
The current path of the DPRK is not only a threat to regional, and international peace and security. It also aggravates an already dire economic, humanitarian, and human rights situation for the people of the DPRK.
The United Nations cannot remain silent simply due to the use of the veto in this Council.