Under the new “supreme” leader Kim Jong-un are we more likely to see Santa Claus land first or human rights respect arrive in North Korea? A hint – North Korea is not only north but very cold, the factories are like Santa work shops and favorite color is red. Nonetheless, the UN is obliged to try. The UN has urged greater respect for human rights and a thawing of relationship with neighbors. (Do not be confused between the UN as United Nations and un as the first-last name for North Korea's new "Supreme Leader." UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK, Marzuki Darusman offered that “positive engagement of the DPRK with the international community would be welcomed by all quarters,..I am hoping that the new leadership in the DPRK will succession as an opportunity to engage with the international community and secure global confidence, The world is eagerly looking at the DPRK to see what lies ahead, and is hoping that the authorities will take measures to improve the human rights situation of the people in the country.” The "Un Supreme Leader" - Not Likely! Perhaps the new un will become unlike his father and grandfather – and launch into a counter-revolution revolution or something like that. Well, the UN is the last resort of lost causes – “stopping genocide in Bosnia or Rwanda" or bringing peace in the Middle East! (Arab League has assumed part of miracle worker role this year by seeking both peace and change in Syria – a result unlikely especially as long as Assad is there). Baby Docs Like Papa Docs? Getting back to North Korea though, at least some semblance of back to negotiations and peace is highly desirable even if even less likely. With its nuclear weapons and one of world’s largest standing armies North Korea’s leadership may always be tempted to export this one asset to the region as it lacks most other resources that the rest of the world is willing to purchase. There is also a sense of urgency – in despotic dynasties, the son replaces the father with great expectation that new means change but only to end up with the same or worse – see father/son Assad in Syria or Papa Doc/Baby Doc Duvalier in Haiti. Like Santa Claus... Unfortunate prediction: after watching the funeral of the “Dear Leader” Kim Jung-il, being bigger than Santa Claus in any society is tough to give up – especially if the gig means an appearance once a year and passing out a few toys to the Communist righteous. But, God bless the work of the UN Special Representative for Human Rights for North Korea – worthy even if most challenging responsibility like comedian in Dante’s Inferno, the Ninth Circle (look it up on Wikipedia if you don't remember from school)! Truly, real life and peace may be at risk and hell on earth could be consequence in region and beyond – as it has been for many of North Korea’s people for some time from starvation to brainwashing and fear. Below, Statement from Mr. Marzuki Darusman> By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” 

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 FOLLOW Mo on Twitter @MuhamedSacirbey STATEMENT: The new leadership in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) was on Friday urged to address pressing human rights concerns and resolve long-standing issues, including the abduction of Japanese and other foreign nationals, by the UN’s Special Rapporteur on human rights in the North Korea,. At the end of an official visit to Japan, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK, Marzuki Darusman said that “positive engagement of the DPRK with the international community would be welcomed by all quarters, as has been the case with Myanmar, where the adoption of reform processes are welcomed widely.” “I am hoping that the new leadership in the DPRK will succession as an opportunity to engage with the international community and secure global confidence,” Mr. Darusman told a press conference in Tokyo. “The world is eagerly looking at the DPRK to see what lies ahead, and is hoping that the authorities will take measures to improve the human rights situation of the people in the country.” “I call on the new leadership to address all questions and concerns in relation to human rights, and resolve outstanding issues such as the abduction of Japanese and other foreign nationals without further delay.” During his mission to Japan, the Special Rapporteur held several meetings with Government officials, national and international NGOs and individuals, including the families of abducted Japanese nationals. “The DPRK should stand by its commitment made to Japan of re-investigating the 12 pending cases of abduction,” Mr. Darusman said. “The urgency of the matter is clear, the abductees are getting old and so are their family members here in Japan.” Mr. Darusman said that information gathered in talks with defectors from the DPRK suggested a dire humanitarian situation in the country, in particular a serious shortage of food, as well as a critical human rights situation. “I also heard with concern that asylum seekers from the DPRK are being refouled by neighbouring countries, and that border control has been tightened over the last month or so, which makes fleeing the DPRK more difficult,” he said. Since his appointment in August 2010, the Special Rapporteur has made several requests to visit DPRK, which have so far not been honoured. In absence of cooperation from DPRK, the Special Rapporteur has been visiting other countries in the region such as Japan, the Republic of Korea and Thailand. Mr. Darusman said that he would approach the new DPRK leadership in the coming days to request a meeting and access to the country, with the hope that the authorities will agree. (*) Check the full end-of-mission statement by the Special Rapporteur: www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11767&LangID=E END Marzuki Darusman (Indonesia) was designated Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in August 2010 by the UN Human Rights Council. As Special Rapporteur, he is independent from any government or organisation and serves in his individual capacity. He is a member of the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons, and has served in various capacities at the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission. Mr. Darusman is a Law graduate from the Catholic University of Parahyangan Bandung, Indonesia.