North Korea, the often-politically-hostile “hermit kingdom”, is in the middle of
a severe drought.
Although the United States has previously been a major supplier of humanitarian aid
to North Korea, they are now refusing to send any help.
So, who is giving aid to North Korea?
Well, in the past, from 1996 to 2004, about 80% of North Korean food aid was donated by
four countries: The US, China, South Korea and Japan.
During that time, North Korea attracted millions of tonnes of food aid.
This was initially in response to a crippling famine in the region, known later as The Arduous
March.
The US was one of the most prolific known contributors, giving more than 2 million tonnes
of food aid and $1.3 Billion dollars total since 1995.
However, since North Korea continues to develop nuclear weapons and maintains a record of
human rights violations, in the later 2000s, their donations began to disappear.
Today, agencies that organize food efforts towards North Koreans are “struggling to
find funding”.
And according to the Congressional Research Service, “since 2009, donations from all
countries except China have dwindled to a minimal amount.”
Also since that time, President Obama has adopted a policy of “strategic patience”
towards North Korea, essentially giving the country the “silent treatment”, and no
humanitarian aid.
The amount that China presently donates is unknown.
But in 2012, China provided nearly two-thirds of food assistance that year.
North Korea’s diplomatic relationship with China is unique, and they have strong trade
ties.
Although many criticize sending aid to a hostile country, the United Nations Chief reportedly
has stressed “that humanitarian assistance should not be linked to political or security
considerations.”
And recently, the UN claimed that “about 70% of North Koreans are food insecure and
almost one third of children under five are stunted.”
Food aid is a matter of life and death for many, in countries like North Korea.
Unfortunately, food is also just another bargaining chip on the national and international stage.
Within North Korea, according to the UN, they prioritize food supplies towards high status
members - and many other groups are considered “expendable”.
Then, on a global level, the United States and other countries essentially use the withholding
of food aid as a tool to encourage cooperation from North Korea.
It’s unclear whether it’s best to send or withhold aid from North Korea, but at the
current moment, most potential benefactors may be out of generosity for the nation.
If you want to learn more about North Korea’s infamous leader, Kim Jong Un.
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