North Korea Threatened By Starvation, UN Experts Blame International Sanctions And Strict COVID-19 Blockade

Pilgrims to North Korea's Kumsusan Sun Palace. (Source: KCNA)

JAKARTA - United Nations (UN) experts say North Korea is threatened with starvation, especially children and the elderly who are vulnerable groups.

The UN special rapporteur on human rights for North Korea Tomas Ojea Quitana said international sanctions and a strict COVID-19 blockade exacerbated the risk of food shortages.

"As a result, North Koreans struggle every day to 'live a dignified life,' Quintana said, citing the BBC on 13 October.

Quintana also called for sanctions imposed on North Korea's nuclear program to be lifted, to prevent a crisis.

In his latest report, Quintana said the UN Security Council should look at easing international sanctions and allowing "humanitarian and life-saving assistance".

Meanwhile, citing AFP's France 24, Quintana said such restrictions should be relaxed to protect the most vulnerable countries in the face of severe food shortages.

"Sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council should be reviewed and reduced where necessary to facilitate humanitarian and life-saving assistance," he said.

The report comes about three months after the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization said North Korea faces a food shortage of about 860,000 tonnes this year, and could be experiencing a "difficult thin period".

North Korea is considered to be in dire economic straits. The country closed its borders to contain the spread of COVID-19. As a result, trade with China plummeted. Meanwhile, North Korea relies on China for food, fertilizer and fuel.

This week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un acknowledged his country was facing a 'gloomy situation', state news agencies reported.

Meanwhile, there have been reports that food prices have soared, with NK News reporting in June that a kilogram of bananas cost $45 or around £32.

To note, the United States under President Joe Biden has repeatedly said it is willing to talk to North Korea, but has demanded that Pyongyang give up its nuclear weapons before sanctions can be relaxed. North Korea has so far refused.

Earlier this week, Kim Jong-un blamed the United States for stoking tensions, saying it needed to continue developing weapons for self-defense.

Despite its economic woes, North Korea continues to build up its arsenal and missile arsenal. Recently, North Korea tested what it claims are new hypersonic and anti-aircraft missiles.