Michael Kirby has called on the United Nations to show the same resolve and unanimity on North Korean human rights violations as it did on passing a resolution on downed flight MH17, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

“The attention to MH17 was admirable. But in all truth, the case of North Korea is dealing with millions of people… The question is will the UN find a way to respond? In the last week, on a matter that had great sensitivity, though.. strong political action, including by Australia and I'm hoping the same sort of spirit will operate in the case of North Korea when the matter comes to the Security Council."

The UN General Assembly will consider the UN COI's recommendations next month and the Security Council has the power to authorize the international Criminal Court to pursue a criminal case against the leaders of North Korea for crimes against humanity.

"Only the Security Council can set in train immediate, impartial and just action to secure accountability," Kirby said.

Furthermore, justice Kirby pointed out countries that resist taking action against North Korea would be judged harshly by the international community, and by "the bar of history."

"There's a lot of talk in United Nations about accountability, a lot of talk about 'rights up front', a lot of talk about 'responsibility to protect', well, in September and October of this year, the UN will face up to the question of whether it is serious about this talk in the case of North Korea."

SOURCE: The Sydney Morning Herald