DPRK: Continued to conduct launches of ballistic missiles - Briefing | United Nations

Security Council briefing by Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, on Non-proliferation/Democratic People's Republic of Korea. ----------------- This year marks the final year of the DPRK’s five-year military development plan (2021-2025). Throughout 2024 and early 2025, the DPRK has continued to conduct launches of ballistic missiles, including what it characterized as the “Hwasong-19” intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in October last year, and an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile (IRBM) in January this year. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the DPRK has continued its open displays of undeclared uranium enrichment facilities located in Yongbyon and Kangson. These events have been accompanied by statements reiterating the DPRK’s intention to further develop nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, including tactical nuclear warheads, military reconnaissance satellites, and the construction of a “nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine”. ------------ The DPRK’s persistent pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions, continues to undermine the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) that underpins it. At this critical juncture, it remains as important as ever to continue to highlight the urgent need to reduce nuclear risk, prevent any use of a nuclear weapon and bring about their total elimination. We continue our strong calls on the DPRK to fully comply with its international obligations, including the NPT and IAEA safeguards, and to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. ------------- The broader security landscape on the Korean Peninsula remains tense, with heightened military activities, limited avenues for inter-Korean and regional dialogue, the presence of nuclear risks and growing concerns over the potential for miscalculation. The Secretary-General has consistently underscored that sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula must be anchored in dialogue and diplomacy. We welcome any efforts in this respect.


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