Robert Besser
18 Mar 2023, 16:41 GMT+10
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.
Get a daily dose of New York Telegraph news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to New York Telegraph.
More InformationTALLAHASSEE, Florida: The Florida Lottery said this week that the second-largest lottery winner in U.S. history has come forward to ...
LONDON, UK: This week, the Global Financial Centers index showed that New York remains the world's leading financial center, with ...
KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan: In a significant milestone for its defense capabilities, Taiwan has unveiled its first domestically developed submarine. Although it ...
HONIARA, Solomon Islands: Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare revealed that he opted out of a Pacific Islands leaders' summit at the ...
SACRAMENTO, California: Intending to raise some US$160 million per year to help prevent gun violence, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed ...
MANILA, The Philippines: The Philippines remains steadfast in its resolve not to yield to Chinese efforts to obstruct its fishermen ...
LONDON, UK: This week, the Global Financial Centers index showed that New York remains the world's leading financial center, with ...
(Photo credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) Manager Buck Showalter told reporters Sunday that he is not returning to manage the ...
NICOSIA, Cyprus - The president of the European Parliament said Sunday she has conveyed the legislative body's support for the ...
Washington - The U.S. government stayed open Sunday, with funding assured through mid-November, but the political infighting among Republican lawmakers ...
(Photo credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports) The New York Yankees and host Kansas City Royals will close a disappointing seasons ...
(Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports) The visiting Miami Marlins could be at less than their best Sunday for their ...