North Korea: "Sanctions Are an Obstacle to Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals"

Acknowledgment of Food and Vaccine Shortages
Mention of Enhancing Relations Only with Friendly Countries

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] North Korea claimed that the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is being challenged due to economic sanctions. While acknowledging shortages of food and COVID-19 vaccines, it mentioned that it will enhance relations only with countries friendly to itself.

According to the South Korean Mission to the UN on the 13th (local time), North Korea publicly disclosed its 'Voluntary National Review' (VNR) report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the first time during the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) virtual meeting that day.

According to the resolution of the 70th UN General Assembly in 2015, UN member states are required to voluntarily evaluate and announce their progress in implementing the SDGs. It is known that North Korea completed the report with assistance from the UN side.

North Korea repeatedly expressed the position that UN sanctions against it are obstructing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The report mentioned international sanctions and blockades as obstacles to North Korea’s SDGs six times. It also claimed that health crises and natural disasters are major obstacles to efforts to achieve sustainable development and improve people’s livelihoods.

The report stated that the plan to produce 7 million tons of grain is facing setbacks. It acknowledged shortages of medical personnel, pharmaceutical technology base, medical equipment, and essential medicines. In particular, it stated that most of the vaccine supply depends on the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), and presented plans to establish a foundation for infectious disease response through expanded quarantine measures.

North Korea cited damage cases caused by climate change and mentioned, "Socioeconomic development and residents’ lives have suffered serious damage due to disasters caused by climate change."

Regarding ways to activate international partnerships, it emphasized, "Under the banner of independence, peace, and friendship, we will develop friendly and cooperative relations with all countries friendly to North Korea and promote South-South cooperation (international cooperation among developing countries)." It then reiterated the issues of sanctions and blockades, saying, "Our sovereignty and development rights are being challenged by sanctions, blockades, and hostile policies."

Kim Sung, North Korea’s ambassador to the UN, claimed that international sanctions are blocking North Korea’s sustainable development, but refused to answer a question from Song Hanna, director of the North Korea Human Rights Center, who asked about North Korea exploiting vulnerable labor forces, stating it was an attempt to damage North Korea’s honor.

Meanwhile, a UN source said that it is noteworthy that North Korea announced the VNR. On that day, North Korea’s UN ambassador Kim Sung tried to showcase North Korea’s steps as a normal state under Kim Jong-un’s rule, emphasizing past accession to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

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