The southern African nation of Botswana has severed ties with North Korea with immediate effect, citing a recent UN report on mass murder, enslavement and starvation in the country.
"The Government of Botswana does not wish to be associated with a government which continues to display such total disregard for the human rights of its citizens," a statement read.
Early last year, Botswana suspended bilateral cooperation with North Korea "as the result of the threat posed by that country to international peace and security".
Gaborone's decision comes after a hard-hitting UN report detailed "extermination, murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence" in the nuclear-armed totalitarian state.
"Botswana wishes to convey its heartfelt sympathies to the people of North Korea who are currently subjected to inhuman treatment under the leadership of Kim Jong-Un."
