A Study on North Korea Missile Activities under the Light of International Law

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (“North Korea” or “DPRK”) missile activities have changed into an international challenge. North Korea has tested up to 180 different types of missiles since 1984. Although no conventional rule prohibits States from missile testing, some customary rules and general principles of law frame testing behaviours and impose limitations on it. In respect of North Korea's missile tests, UN Security Council has taken a prominent role and since the Security Council becomes sensitive to North Korea's nuclear activities, its focus on its missile tests has increased. In addition to imposing sanctions, the Security Council acts with ambiguity in respect of suspending or prohibiting DPRK missile program. By overall analyzing the issued resolutions what we reached is that the true intention of UNSC is to limit and suspend the DPRK missile program rather than prohibiting it.