U.N. resolution condemns rights abuses in North Korea

The U.N. General Assembly on Monday approved a resolution denouncing human-rights violations in North Korea ranging from public executions to severe restrictions on freedom of expression, religion, and assembly. The 193-member world body urged North Korea "to immediately put an end to the systematic, widespread, and grave violations." The resolution was approved by a vote of 123-16, with 51 abstentions. North Korea rejected the resolution, insisting there have been no such human-rights abuses. The General Assembly vote was scheduled before the announcement late Sunday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il had died.