The United Nations' top human rights body agreed on Friday to widen its investigation into violations in North Korea with a view to documenting alleged crimes against humanity for future prosecution.

The body also expressed concern over the lack of progress in settling the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s .

The 47-member U.N. Human Rights Council adopted a resolution submitted by Japan and the European Union and backed by the United States.