US puts human rights pressure on North Korea
Updated
![The US report says Kim Jong-Il's regime continues to commit numerous serious abuses. [AFP]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/nkorea_kim_afp_120707.jpg "The US report says Kim Jong-Il's regime continues to commit numerous serious abuses. [AFP]")
The US report says Kim Jong-Il's regime continues to commit numerous serious abuses. [AFP]
The United States is stepping up pressure on North Korea to improve its human rights record.
In a statement, President George W Bush says he is "deeply concerned" about the grave human rights conditions in North Korea.
Mr Bush says he is worried by the stories of divided families, harsh conditions, and suffering that is taking place.
The US State Department - releasing its annual human rights report - also notes that North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il's regime continues to commit numerous serious abuses.
It cited reports of extrajudicial killings, disappearances and arbitrary detention, including of political prisoners, harsh prison conditions and the use of torture.
The latest US statements follow a decision in the House of Representatives to pass a bill requiring the appointment of a full-time envoy to work on human rights issues in the North Korea.
