Washington’s nominee for DPRK human rights special envoy called for greater international cooperation to hold Pyongyang accountable and “empower” escapees, warning that North Korea’s human rights violations and abuses pose a critical threat to international security.

Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, Julie Turner described the human rights situation as “one of the most protracted human rights crises in the world” and warned that Kim Jong Un has further increased control over North Koreans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She also drew a straight line between North Korea’s exploitation and abuse of its citizens and its rapidly advancing