Lee In-young "Possibility of Humanitarian Crisis for North Korean Residents... Need to Follow Sanctions Exemption Procedures"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Lee In-young, Minister of Unification, stated that North Korean residents may face a humanitarian crisis and that sanction exemption procedures should be followed regarding humanitarian issues.

In an interview with the Financial Times published on the 26th, Minister Lee said, "As economic difficulties continue, the possibility of a humanitarian crisis, especially among North Korean residents, is increasing."

Minister Lee emphasized that North Korea has faced difficulties due to sanctions since 2017, as well as last summer's flood and typhoon damage, and border closures caused by COVID-19.

He said, "The likelihood of a food shortage at the same level and intensity as in the early to mid-1990s is relatively low," but added, "We are concerned and worried about the increasing possibility of a humanitarian crisis and are closely monitoring the situation."

He also raised the need to verify the effectiveness of sanctions against North Korea. Minister Lee stated, "After five years, we need to review to what extent the sanctions have been effective in achieving denuclearization," and emphasized, "If the sanctions were not intended to do so but have resulted in difficulties in the lives of residents, we must evaluate and address how to improve these issues at the very least."

Regarding the humanitarian perspective, he also mentioned vaccine support for North Korea and other countries lacking vaccines. Minister Lee said, "Although countries inevitably prioritize vaccinating their own citizens first, when there is some capacity, we must not neglect a humanitarian approach of mutual cooperation with North Korea and other vaccine-deficient countries."

He expressed the view that sanctions should be exempted in certain areas. Minister Lee said, "From our government's standpoint, it is desirable to proceed with sanction exemption procedures clearly and without hesitation regarding humanitarian issues, and to carry out these procedures swiftly," adding, "If international consensus is formed thereafter, it would also be desirable to expand sanction flexibility to areas such as non-commercial public infrastructure."

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