30.04.2026 Statement for open briefing on  DPRK

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

And let me also thank Under-Secretary General DiCarlo and Mr. Byrne for their briefings. In the unfortunate absence of a Panel of Experts, these presentations are highly valuable.

As we have heard, the DPRK’s continued unacceptable and illegal behaviour clearly constitutes a threat, not only to regional peace and security on the Korean peninsula, but globally.

Mr. President

Just this week in the General Assembly Hall, the state parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons are meeting for the review conference. Sadly, in the midst of this strong push to protect the world from the curse of nuclear war, the DPRK continues its quest for nuclear weapons.

Earlier this month, the IAEA’s Director-General concluded that the DPRK has made a “very serious increase” in its capabilities to produce nuclear weapons.

The IAEA also documented a worrying expansion of the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center, including a suspected new uranium-enrichment facility.

Just this year, we have also witnessed six ballistic missile launches – three of which took place this month. 

So let us face the facts. The DPRK is evidently and brazenly continuing to develop both its nuclear programme and its ballistic missile programme. These acts are not only ongoing, they are escalating. That is why Denmark jointly called for this meeting to shine a light on these deeply concerning developments.

Mr. President,

The DPRK, and all UN Member States, without exception, must abide by the resolutions of this Council.

Denmark is deeply worried by the illegal military cooperation between the Pyongyang and Moscow. The DPRK’s arms deliveries and troop deployment in support of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine are dangerous and escalatory. In return, Russia provides military support including missile-related technology to the DPRK. Such actions flagrantly violate Security Council resolutions, including the two-way arms embargo.

This is a prime example of how the DPRK’s actions do not just concern the countries of its region, but gravely impact peace and security across the globe.

The sanctions against the DPRK remain fully in effect. However, implementation oversight has been severely over hampered for the past two years following Russia’s veto of the extension of the mandate of the Panel of Experts. As a result, it has become easier for the DPRK and others to violate and circumvent sanctions.

Mr. President,

Denmark supports the use of sanctions against the DPRK as a legitimate tool to pressure the regime to end its illegal actions. In a world already torn by conflict and insecurity, we cannot allow such reckless behaviour to continue.

At the same time, we recall that sanctions are not intended to negatively impact the lives of civilians. To this end, we support the swift approval of all legitimate humanitarian exemptions requests in accordance with applicable sanctions. 

We remain deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian and human rights situation in the DPRK. We call on the DPRK to start prioritising the well-being of its citizens over its dangerous weapons programmes. We also urge the DPRK to allow the return of the UN and humanitarian organisations into the country and to engage seriously with the UN’s human rights mechanisms.

In closing,

We welcome all efforts to build positive momentum in the inter-Korean relationship. The Republic of Korea has publicly announced that it stands ready to resume dialogue. We strongly encourage the DPRK to do the same. To engage constructively and to return to dialogue.

Denmark fully supports all efforts towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. To reach that goal, the DPRK must abide by its international obligations.

This means returning to compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and abandoning its ballistic missiles programme and its existing nuclear programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

I thank you.