Sanctions and food shortages raise fears of North Korean famine
3 years, 7 months ago

Sanctions and food shortages raise fears of North Korean famine

The Telegraph  

North Korea is under “mounting economic pressure” as food shortages and sanctions hammer the secretive dictatorship, analysts have warned. The warning from ratings agency Fitch comes after the totalitarian state’s supreme leader Kim Jong-un said the country faced its “worst ever situation” and raised the spectre of the Nineties famine which killed almost 3m people. Although North Korea is not facing a famine on that scale shortages are “acute” according to local reports. A United Nations report warned last year that more than 10m people in North Korea were in “urgent need of food assistance” but the UN now has just a handful of staff on the ground following the pandemic.

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History of this topic

UN food agency says 40 million people are struggling to feed themselves in West and Central Africa
4 days, 6 hours ago

UN food agency says 40 million people are struggling to feed themselves in West and Central Africa

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — More than 40 million people are now struggling to feed themselves across West and Central Africa with that number set to rise to 52 million by the middle of next year, the United Nations food agency said Friday. According to a new report released Friday, the World Food Program said 3.4 million people are currently facing “emergency …

Drive to eliminate global hunger by 2030 has stalled, UN warns
5 months ago

Drive to eliminate global hunger by 2030 has stalled, UN warns

Al Jazeera  

About 733 million people faced hunger in 2023 due to conflicts, climate change and economic crises, a UN report says. A goal to eliminate global hunger by 2030 looks increasingly impossible to achieve as the number of people suffering chronic hunger has barely changed over the past year, a UN report says. The annual State of Food Security and Nutrition …

North Korea will soon be able to flout sanctions more easily
7 months, 3 weeks ago

North Korea will soon be able to flout sanctions more easily

Live Mint  

SEOUL—At a high-security location at the United Nations headquarters in New York, a group of investigators watched a presentation early last year with satellite imagery showing tankers picking up shipments in Chinese waters and elsewhere, and then traveling to North Korea’s oil facilities. The suggestion that North Korea’s oil tankers had ferried barrels of wine drew laughter from around the …

Thousands of North Korea defectors reveal what it’s really like to live in Kim Jong-Un’s isolated state
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Thousands of North Korea defectors reveal what it’s really like to live in Kim Jong-Un’s isolated state

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The majority of North Koreans who resettled in South …

North Korea’s Kim boasts of achievements as he opens key year-end political meeting
11 months, 3 weeks ago

North Korea’s Kim boasts of achievements as he opens key year-end political meeting

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised what he called achievements and victories that strengthened national power and boosted the country’s prestige this year, as he opened a key political meeting to set new policy goals for 2024, state media reported Wednesday. KCNA said North Korea also reported a rare good harvest this year as the …

North Korea confronts a modern-day challenge: a declining population
1 year ago

North Korea confronts a modern-day challenge: a declining population

NPR  

North Korea confronts a modern-day challenge: a declining population Enlarge this image toggle caption AP AP SEOUL, South Korea – Last week, an unusual array of vivid colors filled the seats at a North Korean political event. According to a study by the South Korean government think tank Korea Institute for National Unification, North Korea's birth rate already fell behind …

3 Takeaways From the North Korea-Russia Summit
1 year, 3 months ago

3 Takeaways From the North Korea-Russia Summit

The Diplomat  

On September 13, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un met and held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to the Vostochny Cosmodrome – a spaceport located in the Amur Oblast in Russia’s Far East region. His delegation included Pak Thae Song, chairman of North Korea’s space science and technology committee, which develops artificial satellites, and Navy …

UN: North Korea is increasing repression as people are reportedly starving in parts of the country
1 year, 4 months ago

UN: North Korea is increasing repression as people are reportedly starving in parts of the country

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — North Korea is increasing its repression of human rights and people are becoming more desperate and reportedly starving in parts of the country as the economic situation worsens, the U.N. rights chief said Thursday. Volker Türk told the first open meeting of the U.N. Security Council since 2017 on North Korean human rights that in the past …

UN: North Korea is increasing repression as people are reportedly starving in parts of the country
1 year, 4 months ago

UN: North Korea is increasing repression as people are reportedly starving in parts of the country

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Volker Türk told the first open meeting of the …

North Korea is preparing for a new round of weapons tests, South Korean spy agency says
1 year, 4 months ago

North Korea is preparing for a new round of weapons tests, South Korean spy agency says

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea is preparing for a new round of provocative weapons displays such as long-range missile tests and a spy satellite launch, as it ramps up illicit activities to support its fragile economy, South Korea’s intelligence service told lawmakers Thursday. Outside experts believe North Korea’s current food shortages and economic troubles are the worst since leader …

U.N.: North Korea is increasing repression as people starve in parts of the country
1 year, 4 months ago

U.N.: North Korea is increasing repression as people starve in parts of the country

LA Times  

Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, speaks via video call to the United Nations Security Council on Thursday. North Korea is increasing its repression of human rights and people are becoming more desperate and reportedly starving in parts of the country as the economic situation worsens, the U.N. rights chief said Thursday. Volker Türk told the first …

Families in North Korea ‘starving to death’ due to lack of supplies – report
1 year, 6 months ago

Families in North Korea ‘starving to death’ due to lack of supplies – report

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Families in North Korea are …

Behind North Korea’s Efforts to Monopolize Its Food Supply
1 year, 7 months ago

Behind North Korea’s Efforts to Monopolize Its Food Supply

The Diplomat  

Recently there have been reports from inside North Korea that a ban on the sale of rice and corn has been implemented in some parts of the country. News of the ban, which took effect in January, emerged as the North Korean government has moved to monopolize the country’s food supply, most prominently through the establishment of state-run food shops …

UN: 258 million people faced acute food insecurity in 2022
1 year, 7 months ago

UN: 258 million people faced acute food insecurity in 2022

Associated Press  

ROME — More than a quarter-billion people in 58 countries faced acute food insecurity last year because of conflicts, climate change, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine, according to a report published Wednesday. The report found that that the number of people facing acute food insecurity and requiring urgent food aid — 258 million — …

Is North Korea facing its worst food crisis?
1 year, 9 months ago

Is North Korea facing its worst food crisis?

The Independent  

Kim Jong Un wants to strengthen his control over North Korea’s agriculture in order to increase grain production, according to state media reports. South Korea’s spy agency has said North Korea needs 5.5 million tons of grain to feed its 25 million people each year. open image in gallery Kim Jong Un has suggested tighter government control over grain During …

Is North Korea fighting a food crisis?
1 year, 9 months ago

Is North Korea fighting a food crisis?

Al Jazeera  

As leader Kim Jong calls for agricultural improvements amid reports of a worsening food crisis, we speak to an expert about the challenges the country is facing. North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has ordered agricultural improvements amid reports from outside the country of a worsening food crisis. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has urged officials to meet agricultural …

N. Korea wants more control over farming amid food shortage
1 year, 9 months ago

N. Korea wants more control over farming amid food shortage

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to strengthen state control over agriculture and take a spate of other steps to increase grain production, state media reported Thursday. “If authorities view markets negatively, they can’t be properly recovered.” Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, said the latest North …

North Korea’s Kim says ‘nothing impossible’ amid agriculture push
1 year, 9 months ago

North Korea’s Kim says ‘nothing impossible’ amid agriculture push

Al Jazeera  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has urged officials to meet agricultural production targets amid reported food shortages, declaring “nothing is impossible” under the leadership of the ruling Workers’ Party. Kim said during a ruling party meeting on Wednesday that officials should concentrate on meeting grain production targets “without fail”, increasing yields at all farms and eradicating “internal factors that …

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un orders 'fundamental transformation' of agriculture amid reports of food shortages
1 year, 9 months ago

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un orders 'fundamental transformation' of agriculture amid reports of food shortages

Firstpost  

North Korea is under strict international sanctions over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, and its economy has been further strained by strict self-imposed border lockdowns aimed at stopping COVID-19 outbreaks Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged government officials to engineer a “fundamental transformation” in agricultural production, state media reported on Tuesday, amid fears that the country’s …

North Korea's Kim Jong Un chairs agriculture conference amid serious food shortage
1 year, 9 months ago

North Korea's Kim Jong Un chairs agriculture conference amid serious food shortage

India Today  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a major political conference dedicated to agriculture, state media reported Monday, as outside assessments suggest the country is facing a serious shortfall of food. Monday’s report didn’t elaborate on its agenda, but the party’s Politburo said earlier this month that “a turning point is needed to dynamically promote radical change in agricultural development.” …

North Korea’s Kim orders ‘radical change’ in agriculture
1 year, 9 months ago

North Korea’s Kim orders ‘radical change’ in agriculture

Al Jazeera  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for a “radical change” in agricultural production amid concerns over reported food shortages in the isolated country. Kim, the third generation of his family to rule secretive North Korea, made his remarks less than a week after South Korea’s Unification Ministry said its northern neighbour appeared to be facing a “grave” food …

North Korea holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage
1 year, 9 months ago

North Korea holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage

Deccan Chronicle  

SEOUL, South Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a major political conference dedicated to agriculture, state media reported Monday, amid outside assessments that suggest the country is facing a serious shortfall of food. South Korean experts estimate that North Korea is short around 1 million tons of grain, 20 percent of its annual demand, after the pandemic disrupted …

North Korea holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage
1 year, 9 months ago

North Korea holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a major political conference dedicated to agriculture, state media reported Monday, amid outside assessments that suggest the country is facing a serious shortfall of food. South Korean experts estimate that North Korea is short around 1 million tons of grain, 20 percent of its annual demand, after the pandemic …

North Korea's Kim Jong Un holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage
1 year, 9 months ago

North Korea's Kim Jong Un holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage

Firstpost  

Recent unconfirmed reports have said an unknown number of North Koreans have died of hunger. But observers have seen no indication of mass deaths or famine in North Korea Seoul, South Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a major political conference dedicated to agricultural improvement, state media reported Monday, amid outside assessments that the country’s chronic food insecurity …

N. Korea food shortage worsens amid COVID, but no famine yet
1 year, 9 months ago

N. Korea food shortage worsens amid COVID, but no famine yet

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — There’s little doubt that North Korea’s chronic food shortages worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and speculation about the country’s food insecurity has flared as its top leaders prepare to discuss the “very important and urgent task” of formulating a correct agricultural policy. Its specific agenda is unknown, but the party’s powerful Politburo earlier said that …

North Korea chronic food shortage worsens amid COVID-19, but no famine yet
1 year, 9 months ago

North Korea chronic food shortage worsens amid COVID-19, but no famine yet

Firstpost  

It is difficult to know the exact situation in the North, which kept its borders virtually closed during the pandemic. Food shortages and economic hardships have persisted since a famine killed estimated hundreds of thousands of people in the mid-1990s Seoul, South Korea: There’s little doubt that North Korea’s chronic food shortages worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and speculation …

North Korea food shortage worsens amid Covid, but no famine yet
1 year, 9 months ago

North Korea food shortage worsens amid Covid, but no famine yet

India Today  

There’s little doubt that North Korea’s chronic food shortages worsened due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and speculation about the country’s food insecurity has flared as its top leaders prepare to discuss the “very important and urgent task” of formulating a correct agricultural policy. Its specific agenda is unknown, but the party’s powerful Politburo earlier said that a “a turning point …

On brink of famine, North Korea refuses foreign aid, calls it 'poisoned candy'
1 year, 10 months ago

On brink of famine, North Korea refuses foreign aid, calls it 'poisoned candy'

India Today  

Despite being on the brink of famine due to critical food shortages, North Korea has reportedly refused foreign aid, likening it to a “poisoned candy”. North Korea's official newspaper Rodong Simmun said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages would be like taking "poisoned candy" and urged lawmakers to instead focus on becoming self-sufficient. In 2022 the …

N Korea paper warns against ‘poisoned candy’ amid food shortages
1 year, 10 months ago

N Korea paper warns against ‘poisoned candy’ amid food shortages

Al Jazeera  

The Rodong Sinmun warns against accepting external help amid reports North Korea is teetering on brink of famine. North Korea’s official newspaper has urged economic self-reliance amid reports of food shortages, arguing that relying on external aid to cope with the food situation would be like taking “poisoned candy”. The commentary, published in the Rodong Sinmun on Wednesday, comes days …

North Korea’s Kim breaks ground for housing, farm projects
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea’s Kim breaks ground for housing, farm projects

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea says leader Kim Jong Un attended groundbreaking ceremonies for new housing and farming projects, which are part of his push for domestic achievements as the country’s economic isolation deepens amid his defiant pursuit of nuclear arms. North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said Kim broke ground Wednesday for the construction of a huge …

North Korea ‘reduces food rations for troops’ for first time in 23 years
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea ‘reduces food rations for troops’ for first time in 23 years

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy North Korea’s severe food crisis …

North Korea party meeting set to discuss ‘urgent’ food issue
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea party meeting set to discuss ‘urgent’ food issue

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea has scheduled a major political conference to discuss the “urgent task” of improving its agricultural sector, a possible sign of worsening food insecurity as the country’s economic isolation deepens amid a defiant nuclear weapons push. North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said Monday that members of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Politburo met on …

‘Excessive’: North Korea’s COVID curbs blamed for food crisis
2 years, 1 month ago

‘Excessive’: North Korea’s COVID curbs blamed for food crisis

Al Jazeera  

Pyongyang has substantially ramped up border security since January 2020, according to satellite images. North Korean authorities have imposed “excessive and unnecessary” border measures since January 2020, including upgraded fences, guard posts and patrol roads, an analysis of satellite images by Human Rights Watch shows. HRW said it had spoken to five North Korean defectors involved in smuggling goods in …

UN warns up to 345 million people marching toward starvation
2 years, 3 months ago

UN warns up to 345 million people marching toward starvation

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. food chief warned Thursday that the world is facing “a global emergency of unprecedented magnitude,” with up to 345 million people marching toward starvation — and 70 million pushed closer to starvation by the war in Ukraine. David Beasley, executive director of the U.N. World Food Program, told the U.N. Security Council that the 345 …

North Korea’s economy shrinks for second straight year: BOK
2 years, 4 months ago

North Korea’s economy shrinks for second straight year: BOK

Al Jazeera  

GDP shrinks an estimated 0.1 percent as border closures and lockdowns hinder industrial activity and trade with China. North Korea’s economy shrank for a second straight year in 2021, according to estimates by South Korea’s central bank, as pandemic restrictions and international sanctions deepened the reclusive state’s isolation. The North’s economy shrank an estimated 0.1 percent last year, the Bank …

UN chief warns of ‘catastrophe’ from global food shortage
2 years, 6 months ago

UN chief warns of ‘catastrophe’ from global food shortage

Associated Press  

BERLIN — The head of the United Nations warned Friday that the world faces “catastrophe” because of the growing shortage of food around the globe. “This year’s food access issues could become next year’s global food shortage,” he said. “No country will be immune to the social and economic repercussions of such a catastrophe.” Guterres said U.N. negotiators were working …

COVID amid food insecurity: A perfect storm is brewing in N Korea
2 years, 6 months ago

COVID amid food insecurity: A perfect storm is brewing in N Korea

Al Jazeera  

Widespread malnutrition and the absence of a stable health system are exacerbating the impact of COVID-19 in the country. On May 12, North Korea reported the country’s first COVID outbreak, a significant public admission after two and a half years of stringent lockdowns and border closures. Omicron, the variant behind North Korea’s outbreak, is estimated to be asymptomatic in close …

UN: 18 million facing severe hunger in West Africa’s Sahel
2 years, 7 months ago

UN: 18 million facing severe hunger in West Africa’s Sahel

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The U.N. is warning that 18 million people in Africa’s Sahel region face severe hunger in the next three months, citing the impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the coronavirus pandemic, climate-induced shocks and rising costs. The largest number of people are at risk of severe hunger across the region since 2014, and four countries — Burkina Faso, …

UN: 18 million people facing severe hunger in Sahel region
2 years, 7 months ago

UN: 18 million people facing severe hunger in Sahel region

Al Jazeera  

It cites the effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate-induced shocks and rising costs as the reasons. The United Nations is warning that 18 million people in Africa’s Sahel region face severe hunger in the next three months, citing the effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the coronavirus pandemic, climate-induced shocks and rising costs. The largest number …

North Korea shuns outside help as COVID catastrophe looms
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea shuns outside help as COVID catastrophe looms

Al Jazeera  

Pyongyang has not responded to offers of help and inquiries from the US, South Korea, the WHO and UNICEF. North Korea, whose dynastic leadership proclaims an official ideology of self-reliance known as “juche”, has long been known for its secrecy and hostility towards the outside world. “I would guess that is a combination of both.” North Korea, where state propaganda …

UN: Record Number Of People Without Enough To Eat In 2021
2 years, 7 months ago

UN: Record Number Of People Without Enough To Eat In 2021

Huff Post  

The United Nations headquarters in New York on March 17, 2022. Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images ROME — The United Nations said Wednesday that the number of people without enough to eat on a daily basis reached all-time high last year and is poised to hit “appalling” new levels as the Ukraine war affects global food production. The U.N. said …

3 North Koreans Provide a Glimpse of North Korea’s Worsening Economic Situation
2 years, 8 months ago

3 North Koreans Provide a Glimpse of North Korea’s Worsening Economic Situation

The Diplomat  

Locals report increasing starvation deaths and disappearances among their neighbors, but Pyongyang is most concerned with preventing the harsh reality from souring planned celebrations. North Koreans have recently begun facing a worsening economic situation, evidenced by reports that people are starving to death even within the country’s major cities. Recently, Daily NK sought to catch a better glimpse of North …

US pushing for tougher sanctions on N Korea after missile tests
2 years, 11 months ago

US pushing for tougher sanctions on N Korea after missile tests

Al Jazeera  

Pyongyang has continued to test ballistic missiles in defiance of a UN ban, and says it is also developing hypersonic weaponry. The United States is pushing the UN Security Council to impose more sanctions on North Korea after Pyongyang carried out a series of missile tests in defiance of United Nations resolutions, US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said …

In Year-End Speech, Kim Jong Un Focuses on 'Food Problem' in North Korea
2 years, 11 months ago

In Year-End Speech, Kim Jong Un Focuses on 'Food Problem' in North Korea

News 18  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has again admitted there is a “food problem” in the country, during a speech which brought an important five-day meeting of his Korean Worker’s Party to a close. The year-end address, summarized by state media outlet KCNA on Saturday, made brief reference to “emergency epidemic prevention work.” North Korea has kept quiet throughout the …

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un vows to boost military, maintain virus curbs
2 years, 11 months ago

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un vows to boost military, maintain virus curbs

India Today  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to further bolster his military capability, maintain draconian anti-virus measures and push hard to improve the economy during a speech at a key political conference this week, state media reported Saturday. KCNA said the plenary meeting set forth “tactical directions” for North Korea’s external relations including with South Korea, but didn’t elaborate. There …

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un warns of ‘very giant struggle’
3 years ago

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un warns of ‘very giant struggle’

Al Jazeera  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said the country must be prepared for a “very giant struggle” next year to continue to make progress in areas including defence, agriculture and construction, state media reported on Thursday. Kim said that while the country still faces economic difficulties, the party has had success in pushing to meet policy targets and implementing …

Sustainability and Survival: North Korea’s Struggle With Climate Change
3 years, 1 month ago

Sustainability and Survival: North Korea’s Struggle With Climate Change

The Diplomat  

North Korea is at a crossroads. In the report, North Korea recognizes that “continued natural disasters by flood, drought, typhoon and heat wave have affected severe impacts on the people’s life and health and economic development” while lamenting the country’s exposure in recent years “to negative impacts such as reduction in agricultural production, destruction of agricultural infrastructure, degradation of soil …

As North Korea’s economy flounders, hints of easing isolation
3 years, 1 month ago

As North Korea’s economy flounders, hints of easing isolation

Al Jazeera  

There are tentative signs that the ‘Hermit Kingdom’ may relax borders following a devastating collapse of trade with China. After almost two years of near-total isolation due to what the world now knows is COVID-19, there are signs that Kim Jong Un’s secretive regime may be taking tentative steps toward loosening controls as the country grapples with severe economic deprivation …

North Korea developing nuclear, missile programs in 2021: UN report
3 years, 4 months ago

North Korea developing nuclear, missile programs in 2021: UN report

India Today  

North Korea continued developing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs during the first half of 2021 in violation of international sanctions and despite the country's worsening economic situation, according to an excerpt of a confidential United Nations report seen by Reuters on Friday. The report by a panel of independent sanctions monitors to the UN Security Council North Korea sanctions …

North Korea releases wartime rice reserves amid food crisis
3 years, 4 months ago

North Korea releases wartime rice reserves amid food crisis

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy North Korea has released military …

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