'Abundant evidence' of crimes against humanity in North Korea, panel says

A United Nations panel has concluded "abundant evidence" from from scores of witnesses shows that North Korean officials have committed crimes against humanity in that country, the chairman of a United Nations commission told reporters Monday.

The panel's monthslong investigation revealed evidence of abusive prison camps, starvation, abductions, stunted growth of children, said Michael Kirby, chair of the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea.

The commission released a report Monday after collecting testimony from more than 300 people and examining satellite images and other information, Kirby said.

"I do expect the report will galvanize action on the part of the international community," Kirby said.