The UN Security Council has imposed new sanctions on North Korea, increasing the depth of measures imposed on the country in the wake of its continued nuclear and ballistic weapons programme, including the ballistic missile launch on 28th November.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member Council also decided that all UN Member States shall "prohibit" the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK, of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and various types of equipment and raw materials.

The restrictions also applied with respect to the Member States’ territories, nationals, flagged vessels, aircraft, pipelines, rail lines, or vehicles and whether or not originating in their territories.

On the political side, the Security Council expressed its "deep concern" at the grave hardship that the people in the DPRK are subjected to and condemns the country for pursuing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles instead of the welfare of its people.

Also in the resolution, the Council affirmed that it shall keep the country’s actions under "continuous review" and that it is determined to take further "significant measures" in the event of a further nuclear test or launch.

Following the adoption of the resolution, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the continued unity of the Security Council and noted that it is essential to achieve the goal of denuclearisation and create the space for diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving it in a peaceful manner.