The United Nations’ chief human rights official called for North Korea to reengage the international human rights system this week, stating that Pyongyang has “isolated itself” even further in recent years.

High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk delivered the remarks at the opening of the 53rd regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday.

“Previously, although [the DPRK] consistently rejected the country-specific resolutions and mandates of the council, including the country rapporteurs, there was some engagement with thematic mandates and the treaty bodies,” he said. 

“But today, the country has fallen behind in its treaty reporting