In a recent statement, Ms. Nakamitsu highlighted concerning allegations of transfers of ballistic missiles and ammunition from North Korea to Russia, in violation of Council resolutions, allegedly for use in Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. She emphasized the importance of UN Security Council sanctions regimes in maintaining international peace and security and preventing the illicit transfer of arms.
Ms. Nakamitsu stressed that the relevant Security Council resolutions are legally binding on all UN Member States. She also referenced the final report of the Panel of Experts supporting the Committee overseeing the sanctions measures imposed by Security Council resolution 1718. The report indicated that the Panel was investigating reports from Member States about supplies of conventional arms and munitions by North Korea in contravention of sanctions.
The Panel was reviewing a report by the Government in Kyiv on missile debris recovered in Ukraine, following information about short-range ballistic missiles manufactured in North Korea and used by Russian forces. Although the mandate of the Panel of Experts expired on April 30, the 1718 Committee continues its work and will oversee the implementation of the sanctions regime.
Ms. Nakamitsu emphasized that importing, transit, producing, and exporting states must act responsibly at every step along the arms and ammunition transfer chain to prevent diversion, illicit trafficking, and misuse. She reiterated that any transfer of weapons and ammunition must comply with the applicable international legal framework, including relevant Security Council resolutions and the sanctions regimes they establish.
The Secretary-General has also stated that any relationship that any country has with North Korea, including Russia, must entirely abide by the relevant Security Council sanctions. Ms. Nakamitsu then discussed North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, noting that the country continues its development of nuclear weapons and means of delivery.
She highlighted that North Korea has significantly increased its ballistic missile launches in recent years, conducting over 100 launches since 2022, including solid-fuel inter-continental ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles using ballistic missile technology. These launches have been in violation of several Security Council resolutions.
Ms. Nakamitsu also referenced a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicating that the discharge of warm water from the cooling system of the Light Water Reactor at Yongbyon suggests that the reactor has reached criticality. The IAEA also observed indications of the ongoing operation of the reported centrifuge enrichment facility in Yongbyon and the expansion of another facility.
In conclusion, Ms. Nakamitsu’s remarks underscore the importance of upholding UN Security Council sanctions regimes to prevent the illicit transfer of arms and ensure international peace and security. The allegations of transfers of ballistic missiles and ammunition from North Korea to Russia for use in the invasion of Ukraine highlight the ongoing challenges posed by violations of Council resolutions. It is crucial for all Member States to act responsibly and comply with the relevant international legal framework to prevent diversion, illicit trafficking, and misuse of arms and ammunition.
