Due to the corona crisis, children and the elderly in North Korea are at risk of succumbing to famine. A United Nations special rapporteur warns against this.
The country is facing a growing shortage of food due to the pandemic. This is partly because the import of fertilizer and other agricultural products from China is lagging behind. International sanctions, including those imposed by the UN, also contribute to the import problems.
About 40 percent of North Koreans already suffered from food insecurity before the pandemic, but that percentage has increased sharply due to the rising price of food.
Strict corona rules have been in force in the country since January last year. Among other things, national borders are closed and strict travel restrictions apply between cities and regions.
According to the rapporteur, the measures have led to serious economic problems. There is also less humanitarian aid available and the population of the country has become further isolated as a result of the pandemic. Many families can no longer support themselves and the number of homeless people is increasing. Little is known about the number of infections in the country.
Kim Jong-un: grim economic situation
On Monday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said he has instructed his officials to focus entirely on the population. According to him, it is suffering from an “unprecedented grim economic situation.”
According to Kim Jong-un, living conditions and food supply must be improved through a national five-year plan. It is rare for the North Korean leader to speak negatively about his country.
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