International Red Cross: "UN Exempts Medical Equipment for COVID-19 Response from Sanctions on North Korea"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) announced on the 24th (local time) that the United Nations (UN) has exempted North Korea from sanctions to allow the provision of medical equipment and diagnostic kits amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

In a statement released that day, the IFRC said, "If COVID-19 breaks out in North Korea, it will pose a threat to the millions of people already in need of humanitarian aid," adding, "Personal protective equipment, diagnostic kits, and essential supplies to prepare for a possible outbreak are urgently needed."

Earlier, the IFRC officially requested the UN to exempt North Korea from sanctions to support medical supplies and equipment related to COVID-19 response. At that time, the IFRC explained, "This is to support the items requested by the Korean Red Cross and the North Korean Ministry of Public Health, who are engaged in surveillance, preventive education, awareness raising, and response activities regarding COVID-19 in North Korea."

Xavier Castellanos, head of the IFRC Asia-Pacific regional office, explained, "This exemption is a measure to save lives and an important step to prevent adverse effects on residents within North Korea." He added, "We appreciate the UN Sanctions Committee's prompt and urgent attention to our request," and said, "With this exemption, the people of North Korea will receive humanitarian aid."

The IFRC also added that it has sent volunteers to the North Korean Ministry of Public Health to support COVID-19 surveillance. The IFRC has maintained an office in North Korea since 1995. The items requested for sanction exemption included protective suits for quarantine, goggles, testing instruments and reagents, and infrared thermometers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.