US warns NKorean officials over prison camps

The US has a tough message to officials running North Korea's notorious network of prison and labour camps: We know who you are, and we know what you are doing.

US Assistant Secretary of State Tom Malinowski made the remarks yesterday, as he shared a stage with two young North Korean defectors to mark international human rights day.

A UN commission of inquiry has accused the government of running political prison camps with up to 120,000 inmates in a report alleging crimes against humanity.

Malinowski said the UN Security Council will soon discuss the North's human rights situation, amid a push for a referral to the International Criminal Court.
 

North Korea's traditional ally, China, is likely to veto any attempt at a referral.