Seoul backs damning UN North Korea report

South Korea welcomed a UN report released today which said North Korea's leaders should be brought before an international court for a litany of crimes against humanity.
The report by the Commission of Inquiry on North Korea found "systemic, widespread and gross human rights violations have been and are being committed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, its institutions and officials".
The head of the probe said hundreds of North Korean officials could be responsible for crimes against humanity, including leader Kim Jong-un.
"The (South Korean) government expects the COI report, which includes results of in-depth investigation showing the seriousness of the North Korean human rights situation, will raise the international community's awareness," South Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

"Seoul appreciates the proactive efforts the COI has made so far," it said.
The ministry added that Seoul had supported the probe and planned to increase cooperation with the international community to help improve the rights situation in the North.
Washington also welcomed the report but China, Pyongyang's main ally, said it would oppose any move at the United Nations to refer North Korea's leadership to the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.