UN chief: DPRK issue 'most dangerous crisis we face'

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday condemned the latest nuclear and missile tests by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), denouncing them as “the most dangerous crisis we face today.”

“Yet again, the DPRK has broken the global norm against nuclear test explosions; Yet again, the country has defied the Security Council and the international community; Yet again, the DPRK has needlessly and recklessly put millions of people at risk – including its own citizens already suffering drought, hunger and serious violations of their human rights,” Guterres told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.

The UN Security Council's emergency meeting over DPRK's latest nuclear test, on September 4, 2017, at UN Headquarters in New York. /AFP Photo

Guterres urged the DPRK to comply with its international obligations, including Security Council Resolution 2371 adopted last month, and called for a peaceful solution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

“Confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences,” he said, “The solution must be political. The potential consequences of military action are too horrific.”

“As Secretary-General, I am ready to support any efforts towards a peaceful solution of this alarming situation, and as I said, to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to journalists during a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, on September 5, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

Guterres also hailed Monday’s Security Council meeting, saying the unity of the council is crucial in addressing this crisis, and also creates an opportunity to diplomatically engage in reducing tensions, increasing confidence and preventing escalation – all aimed at the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

‘Myanmar violence could destabilize region’

The UN chief also voiced concern over the security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State, and called on the Myanmar government to give either nationality or legal status to local Muslims.

Local residents are evacuated on an air boat operated by volunteers from San Antonio, in the Clodine district after Hurricane Harvey caused heavy flooding in Houston, Texas on August 29, 2017. /AFP Photo

“I have condemned the recent attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. But now we are receiving constant reports of violence by Myanmar's security forces, including indiscriminate attacks,” he told journalists. “This will only further increase radicalization.”

Guterres said that he has officially written to the Security Council to express his concern and proposed solutions to end the violence, adding that the grievances of Rohingya Muslims “have festered for far too long and are becoming an undeniable factor in regional destabilization.”

He also called for the international community to undertake concerted efforts to prevent further escalation and to seek a holistic solution.

Due to terrorist attacks since August 25, nearly 125,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled over the border to Bangladesh and 26,747 ethnic people have been evacuated to safe places.

'Climate change is gathering force'

Speaking of the frequent occurrence of natural disasters in recent weeks, Guterres said climate change continues to gather force, adding that he will stand with all those suffering the devastating impact of disaster.

Cars trapped in floodwater near I-10 freeway leading into Houston after Hurricane Harvey caused heavy flooding in the city, August 27, 2017. /AFP Photo

“The United Nations stands ready to support relief efforts in any way possible,” he said, noting that the number of natural disasters has nearly quadrupled since 1970, with the US, followed by China and India experiencing the most since 1995.

According to UN statistics, a total of 24.2 million people were displaced by disasters, three times as many as by conflict and violence. Before the current floods, this year’s initial reports show that there have been 2,087 deaths from natural disasters.

“With science forecasting a dramatic rise in both the frequency and severity of disasters, it is time to get serious about keeping ambition high on climate action – and on building resilience and reducing disaster risk,” he said.

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