Security Council Resolution on North Korea

Australia welcomes United Nations Security Council Resolution 2270 (2016) condemning North Korea's recent nuclear test and long-range ballistic missile launch.

Australia, along with 52 other nations, co-sponsored the resolution signalling that the international community will not tolerate North Korea's provocative and dangerous conduct.

The new UN resolution and additional sanctions strengthen existing international sanctions to limit North Korea's ability to develop its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

New sanctions target financing networks, individuals and organisations facilitating North Korea's weapons programs. Sanctions also end North Korea's conventional arms trade, require the inspection of all North Korean cargo, restrict North Korean exports in minerals, and designate further individuals and entities for targeted financial sanctions and travel bans.

These measures are designed to target the North Korean regime, not the civilian population. In addition to adopting measures set out in the UN Resolution, Australia is considering taking further steps under our autonomous sanctions.

Australia will continue to call on North Korea to adhere to UN Security Council resolutions, abandon its nuclear program and engage constructively with the international community, including through the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

We will continue to work with our friends and partners in the region, including the Republic of Korea, Japan and China, to uphold peace and stability in North Asia.