UN Security Council adopts resolution to tighten sanctions against North Korea

The Security Council on Friday adopted a new resolution to further tighten sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in response to Pyongyang's ballistic missile launch on Nov. 28.

Resolution 2397, which was passed in the 15-member council unanimously, bans nearly 90 percent of refined petroleum product exports to the DPRK by setting a ceiling of 500,000 barrels a year. It also caps crude oil exports to the DPRK at the current level of four million barrels a year.

As an important measure to cut the source of funding for Pyongyang's nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programs, the resolution requires UN member states to repatriate all DPRK laborers earning income abroad within 24 months.

In addition, the resolution bans DPRK exports of food products, machinery, and electrical equipment, and it bans the supply of industrial equipment, heavy machinery, and transportation vehicles to the DPRK.

Resolution 2397 is the 10th Security Council resolution that contains sanctions against the DPRK since 2006, and the third such resolution in 2017 alone.