Since the end of World War II, the world has sought to prevent the egregious human rights violations perpetrated during the war. Equipped with the ‘International Bill of Human Rights’ the international community, spearheaded by the United Nations, censured regimes in violation of the Universal Declaration’s ideals. Unlike Rwanda, Yugoslavia and Cambodia, North Korea has managed to slip under the radar. It wasn’t until defectors started coming out in the 1990s with stories of human atrocities that the UN was alerted to act to protect North Koreans from their abusive regime. UN efforts were given a major boost when the so-called Commission of Inquiry Report was published in February 2014. It not only revealed the comprehensive nature of human rights violations, but also recommended what the United Nations should do to hold those responsible accountable. Although some of these recommendations have been followed up, such as the opening of the UN Human Rights Office in Seoul, most remain untended. This article is an overview of the UN role in dealing with North Korean human rights violations, as well as a reminder that there are untapped means available to effect accountability. The current political environment is not favorable, but discussions on ICC referral, universal jurisdiction, and a special tribunal as recommended in the COI report are imperative in achieving genuine progress in human rights in North Korea.