The international community “cannot abandon” the North Korean people simply because efforts to date have failed to improve the human rights situation in the country, the U.N. special envoy on DPRK human rights told NK News.

In an exclusive interview, Elizabeth Salmón said that she pursued the position of special rapporteur on North Korean human rights because she hoped to bring her years of experience working on human rights issues, legal knowledge and “fresh air” to the role.

She also discussed her determination not to let North Korea’s hostility distract her from her mandate, how she intends to shine