UN Security Council Advances Sanctions Exemption for Humanitarian North Korea Epidemic and Disaster Relief

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Foreign media reports have emerged that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is considering measures to exempt relief organizations supporting North Korea's epidemic and disaster response from UN sanctions against North Korea.

On the 25th (local time), major foreign media outlets cited an anonymous UNSC official, reporting that the United States has proposed to the UNSC North Korea Sanctions Committee to simplify the sanction exemption procedures and extend the duration for relief organizations supporting North Korea's epidemic and disaster response. The committee is currently reviewing this proposal.

The official explained, "The U.S. proposal is to allow relief organizations to request sanction exemptions through a 'fast track' if urgent humanitarian aid is needed for North Korea's pandemic or natural disaster response." This is interpreted as a measure in response to the severe impact on North Korean residents caused by the recent COVID-19 outbreak. The official added that the proposal also includes ensuring that urgent sanction exemption requests are handled promptly by the North Korea Sanctions Committee and extending the exemption period.

The amendment to the implementation assistance note for enforcing North Korea sanctions is expected to be approved by the North Korea Sanctions Committee on the 27th. The committee currently consists of 15 countries and operates based on the consensus of its member states. North Korea has been under UN Security Council sanctions since 2006 due to nuclear tests, ballistic missile launches, and the development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

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