It marks the first-ever visit to North Korea by an independent expert designated by the UN Human Rights Council, according to the statement. 

"My upcoming visit to the DPRK represents a key opportunity to learn firsthand about national realities, laws, policies and programs concerning people with disabilities, as well as the challenges and opportunities the government faces in implementing the convention," the special rapporteur said, referring to the North's ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in December 2016.

During the six-day visit, she will meet with North Korean officials in charge of protecting the disabled, UN staff and North Koreans with disabilities in Pyongyang and South Hwanghae Province.

"I look forward to engaging with the government, humanitarian actors and people with disabilities to identify needs and practical approaches in order to formulate constructive recommendations that can contribute to enhancing protection for people with disabilities and compliance with the Convention," she noted.

She will hold a press conference on the last day of her visit at Koryo Hotel in the capital, the statement said.

The findings of her visit are likely to be reflected in her report to be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2018.

Devandas-Aguilar was designated the first special rapporteur on the rights of people with disabilities in June 2014 by the council.

The current and former UN special rapporteurs on the North Korean human rights situation have also appealed for North Korea's permission to conduct on-site studies inside the country, but their requests were not answered. (Yonhap)