SERIOUS HUMANITARIAN NEEDS CONTINUE IN DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA, SAYS DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS
Press Release
SG/SM/5935
SERIOUS HUMANITARIAN NEEDS CONTINUE IN DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA, SAYS DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS
19960321 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Boutros Boutros-Ghali:Following a Department of Humanitarian Affairs briefing yesterday in Geneva, we would like to correct any erroneous impressions that the United Nations considered the humanitarian emergency in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to be over.
This is not the case. The Department of Humanitarian Affairs believes that there are still serious needs in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, especially in terms of widespread shortages of food. This continued need was clearly stated by the outgoing Department of Humanitarian Affairs Team Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kjell Madsen, who cited specific cases of dire needs, both in the food and non-food sectors.
Humanitarian agencies believe there is an urgent need for continuing humanitarian relief efforts and would welcome continued close cooperation with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea authorities, particularly on nutritional needs. The Department of Humanitarian Affairs urges the international community to continue supporting the humanitarian needs of communities hit by last year's flooding in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, noting the joint appeal by United Nations agencies in September last year received only 45 per cent of the $20 million requested.
Rejecting suggestions that there are no longer serious humanitarian needs, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Yasushi Akashi, reiterated the Department of Humanitarian Affairs willingness to help. "We are on stand by, ready to begin preparation of a further inter-agency appeal, if requested by the authorities in Pyongyang", said Mr. Akashi.
* *** *