The opening of full diplomatic ties between Seoul and Havana is a clear reflection of the current economic and political realities on the Korean Peninsula.

A “high-level” session at the General Assembly is a significant step-up in pressing North Korea to make progress on human rights.

Despite Rubio's Senate record on North Korea, it's unclear how or whether North Korean human rights will fit into this administration

All indications are the abduction issue will continue to define Japan-North Korea relations for at least the rest of this decade.

The United States will cease to participate in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and eliminate positions supporting the US representative. 

There are clear indications that Kim and his government are particularly unhappy with the attention and criticism his government’s human rights violations have received. Modest changes have been made by Pyongyang to minimize human rights criticisms. That will only continue if the United States, the United Nations, and other UN member countries continue to call attention to the human rights abuses.